NBA Disowns Viral Video Claiming Mandatory 10% Levy on Property Docs
A viral video circulating in Nigeria’s legal and real estate communities claims that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) now requires all land-related legal documents to be approved and stamped by the Association before they are valid.
In the video, a man identified as Frank Abo warns that property buyers must pay 10% of the property’s value into an NBA account and obtain special approval before their legal documents—such as Deeds of Assignment or Powers of Attorney—can be recognised by land registries and courts. The man also threatens lawyers with disciplinary action if they issue documents without NBA approval.
However, the NBA’s Remuneration Committee, chaired by Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, has firmly disowned the video and declared its contents false and unauthorized.
“There is no directive requiring lawyers or clients to route land documents through the NBA or remit any percentage of property value,” a Committee spokesperson said. “Clients can continue paying their lawyers directly as usual.”
The Committee has warned the public and legal professionals to disregard the video and await official announcements. It is preparing a formal statement and may take legal action against those impersonating NBA officials or spreading misinformation.
The video has sown confusion among property buyers and lawyers, some of whom labelled it “an outright impersonation” and a “dangerous source of misinformation.”
As of now, the identity and credentials of Frank Abo remain unverified. The NBA is expected to clarify the matter soon and possibly investigate the source and motive behind the misleading video.
Editor’s note: The public is urged to rely only on official NBA communications and licensed legal counsel for property transactions.
