The Edo State Government has firmly denied reports circulating online that it allegedly sold 14,000 hectares of land to a 17-year-old teenager.
The Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) described the viral story as “false, baseless, and mischievous”, urging the public to disregard the claim, which it said was being spread deliberately to mislead citizens and discredit the state government’s land reforms.
The Viral Rumour
Over the weekend, several social media posts went viral, claiming that Governor Monday Okpebholo had suspended the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) after the alleged discovery that a teenager had “purchased” a vast expanse of land — totaling 14,000 hectares — somewhere in Edo State.
According to those posts, the purported sale had triggered panic within the Edo State Ministry of Lands and prompted the governor to call for an urgent audit of all land transactions.
However, the government has now dismissed the report, labeling it as a fabrication meant to cause confusion.
EdoGIS Responds: ‘No Record of Such Transaction’
In a statement signed by Tunde Egbiremonlen, Director of Press for EdoGIS, the agency clarified that no such transaction exists in any official record.
He explained that under existing laws, a 17-year-old is legally a minor and cannot own or register land in Edo State — a restriction that is automatically enforced within the state’s digital land registration system.
“In the first place, a 17-year-old cannot apply for registration of land in Edo State because he is a minor,” the statement read.
“The Edo GIS system will automatically reject such applications due to age restrictions.”
Egbiremonlen further criticized the individuals behind the viral post, describing them as “rumour-mongers” with the intent to misinform the public.
“To compound their mischief, the peddlers of the story did not even specify where in Edo State such 14,000 hectares were supposedly purchased by this so-called teenager,” he added.
Land Reform and Transparency Under Okpebholo’s Administration
The Okpebholo administration has recently taken notable steps to reform Edo’s land administration system, making transparency and accountability key priorities.
Earlier this year, the governor ordered the revocation of a contract with a private firm that had been managing the software for the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy. The move was reportedly part of efforts to modernize the state’s land records, improve digital infrastructure, and eliminate manipulation in land allocation.
Government sources say the EdoGIS now operates a centralized digital system designed to detect irregularities automatically — including fake documents, age discrepancies, or duplicate ownership claims.
“The EdoGIS database is fully automated and monitored,” a senior official said.
“It would be impossible for a 17-year-old or any unqualified person to process or acquire land without valid documentation.”
Public Urged to Verify Information Before Sharing
The state government also urged residents to fact-check news before sharing it on social media, warning that spreading unverified stories could damage the reputation of government institutions and undermine public confidence.
“We urge the good people of Edo State to disregard this false claim and avoid amplifying misleading information sponsored by those who want to destabilize public trust,” the statement added.
The administration reassured citizens that it remains focused on implementing reforms that will ensure fairness, legality, and security in land ownership across the state.
A Broader Pattern of Fake News
Political observers note that this incident reflects a growing pattern of false social media narratives targeting state governments. Many of these stories, often spread through viral posts and WhatsApp broadcasts, are designed to exploit public distrust or political rivalries.
Analysts have urged Nigerians to rely on official press releases and verified media outlets for accurate updates about government policies and transactions.
Conclusion
While the rumour of a 17-year-old acquiring 14,000 hectares of land captured public attention, the Edo Government’s swift response has helped to clarify the facts and restore confidence in the integrity of its land management system.
The incident serves as a reminder of the need for digital literacy and responsible information sharing — especially in an era where misinformation spreads faster than the truth.
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