Former Administrator of the late William Zena Estate, Mr. Anthony T. Cole, has sounded the alarm over a growing wave of land fraud in Liberia, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution and conduct rigorous due diligence before purchasing property.
Speaking at a press briefing in Monrovia, Mr. Cole highlighted what he described as “alarming” trends involving forged deeds, falsified court documents, and criminal conveyance, which often escalate into violent disputes, arson, mob justice, and prolonged legal battles. “Liberians must be careful how they acquire land,” Mr. Cole warned. “Law is law.” He emphasized that ignorance of proper legal procedures is a major driver of land-related conflicts in the country.
Mr. Cole stressed that legitimate land transactions must start with the Public Land Deed, commonly referred to as the “mother deed” or Certificate of Deed (COD), which forms the legal root of all subsequent property transfers. He explained that when a property owner dies, a court-appointed administrator may obtain an Administrative Deed, which can lawfully produce a Warranty Deed or Transfer Deed, provided proper court authorization is secured.
On ancestral land, Mr. Cole noted that families living on property for generations must formalize ownership through a Tribal Certificate issued by the government. “Being born on land or living there for generations does not automatically make you the legal owner without documentation,” he said. He also highlighted Concessional Deeds, usually granted for agriculture or mining purposes.
Responding to questions from journalists, Mr. Cole outlined specific measures prospective buyers should follow before committing to any land purchase.
He said it is essential to examine the original “mother deed” controlling the estate, verify court authorization including the Code of Decree of Sale, confirm the legal authority of any estate administrator, authenticate documents at the National Archives, conduct community-based historical inquiries, and carefully scrutinize signatures of judges and court clerks.
He warned that forged judicial signatures and falsified probate documents are common tactics among land criminals. “The first thing you check is the signatures,” he said, noting that court records can confirm authenticity and prevent costly mistakes.
Mr. Cole also highlighted adverse possession, explaining that under Liberian law, individuals who openly occupy land for over 20 years without challenge may petition the court to claim ownership. He urged property owners to act promptly and issue formal notices to trespassers to protect their rights.
Describing land criminals as a serious threat to national stability, Mr. Cole said fraudulent conveyance cases are not merely civil disputes but catalysts for broader community unrest.
“A land criminal can destroy families, reputations, and entire communities,” he asserted. He called on the judiciary to enforce strict statutory penalties against offenders and encouraged community leaders to collaborate with government authorities to safeguard property and prevent fraud.
At the briefing, Mr. Cole extended condolences to former First Lady and Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor on the loss of her son and offered Ramadan greetings to Liberia’s Muslim community. He also commented on the Supreme Court’s sentencing of Prophet Key, stating that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, corruption allegations must be evidence-based to preserve judicial credibility.
Mr. Cole further addressed recent operations by the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), urging structured payment plans, affordable tariffs, and improved electricity supply instead of aggressive nighttime crackdowns, which could trigger unrest.
He condemned acts of extremism and terrorism globally, including violence by Boko Haram and Hamas, as well as domestic violence, arson, and mob justice, calling for strict adherence to the rule of law and national values.
In closing, Mr. Cole emphasized that public education, legal compliance, and community vigilance remain the most effective tools against rising land fraud in Liberia. “Liberians must verify before they buy,” he concluded.
