BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 | 09:18 AM
The Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) has issued a strong warning over illegal land transactions promoted by individuals and organizations.
These deals involve government lands and plots already allocated by the Borno State Government.
In a statement released on Wednesday, BOGIS identified several locations where fraudulent activities have been reported.
They include NE/2352 along Yerima Road off Baga Road, BOSG/493 (IDC Shuwari), BO/7422 on BOTP/107B Block B Ngaddabul, BO/27098 behind NNPC Depot, Shagari Low-Cost B, the Solar Plant site behind Al-Ansar University, and the area north of Gubio Housing Estate.
The agency reminded the public that all land layouts in Borno State, whether public or private, are valid only when jointly processed by BOGIS and the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board.
They must also be approved by the Governor of Borno State.
'Any transaction outside this procedure is fraudulent and has no legal effect,' the statement read.
The agency cited the Land Use Act, Cap. L5 LFN 2004, which gives the Governor authority over all land ownership and control.
BOGIS also referenced a Supreme Court judgment in AG Lagos vs AG Federation & 35 Ors (2003).
The ruling reaffirmed that state governments have the power to manage, control, and administer land, even when ownership was previously held by the federal government or its agencies.
The agency emphasized that in Borno State, only BOGIS is legally authorized to allocate land in urban areas.
Local government authorities are the only bodies authorized to allocate land in rural areas.
Members of the public were advised to avoid dealing with unauthorized sellers.
The agency warned that engaging in such illegal transactions could lead to financial losses and legal consequences.