LEGAL PRINCIPLE: LAND LAW — Customary Land Tenure — Registration Does Not Validate Fraudulent Transfers
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Mere registration of a title deed does not validate spurious or fraudulent transfers.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Iguh, JSC, in Ejilemele v. Opara (2003) NLC-421999(SC) at p. 16; Paras C–D.
"Mere registration of title deed does not validate spurious or fraudulent transfers."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Registration does not cure fraud or invalidity. The principle applies to land law and customary tenure. A fraudulent transfer remains void despite registration. The rule protects true owners. The court will look beyond registration. The principle is well-established.