The Edo Geographic Information Service (Edo GIS) has dismissed viral claims that a 17-year-old boy purchased 14,000 hectares of land in the state.

The report circulating on social media also alleged that Governor Monday Okpebholo had suspended the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy following the supposed discovery.

In a statement released on Monday, the agency’s Director of Press, Tunde Egbiremonlen, described the claims as “false and mischievous.”

Egbiremonlen explained that there is no record of such a transaction and stressed that under Edo law, a 17-year-old is considered a minor and cannot legally own land.

He added, “The Edo GIS system will automatically reject such applications due to age restrictions.”