Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered an investigation into a 17-year-old boy who allegedly purchased 14,000 hectares of land in cash, raising questions about the source of the funds and possible links to illicit activities.
Okpebholo made this known during a meeting with members of the Shift Naija Initiative in Benin City on Tuesday. He said the transaction, which involved a landmass roughly equivalent to 34,594 acres, prompted the state government to suspend the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) pending further review of land dealings.
“The investigation is ongoing to determine how a minor could afford such an enormous property. We must ensure transparency in all land transactions,” the governor said.
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The boy’s identity remains undisclosed for legal reasons, but sources say he paid the full amount in cash without financing or installment options. The land, spread across several local government areas, was reportedly purchased for undisclosed commercial purposes.
Okpebholo emphasized that his administration would not tolerate questionable land transactions, noting that the Ministry of Lands and Surveys is working with financial intelligence units to trace the payment source.
Legal analysts believe the case may trigger the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, which requires scrutiny of transactions exceeding ₦5 million, especially when minors are involved.
Civil society groups, including the Shift Naija Initiative, have praised the probe, calling it a bold step toward cleaning up Edo’s land sector.
“This is a test of the governor’s commitment to accountability,” an NGO representative said.
