Affidavit Of Lost Deed Template for Nigeria

The Affidavit of Lost Deed is a crucial legal instrument in Nigerian property law, used when original property deed documents have been lost, destroyed, or become illegible. This affidavit serves as a formal declaration under oath, required by land registries and property authorities to process the replacement of lost deed documents. The document must comply with the Evidence Act 2011, the Land Use Act 1978, and relevant state-level property regulations. It contains detailed information about the property, circumstances of the loss, ownership verification, and supporting evidence. The affidavit must be properly executed before a Commissioner for Oaths and may need to be accompanied by public notices and police reports, depending on local requirements. This document is particularly important in Nigeria's property sector, where maintaining clear title documentation is essential for property transactions and dispute prevention.

1. Title and Jurisdiction: Specifies that this is an affidavit and identifies the relevant court/jurisdiction

2. Deponent Information: Full legal name, occupation, and address of the person making the affidavit

3. Property Description: Detailed description of the property covered by the lost deed, including exact location and boundaries

4. Original Deed Details: Information about the original deed including date of issuance, registration details, and parties involved

5. Ownership Establishment: Statement establishing the deponent's legal right to the property and connection to the deed

6. Loss Circumstances: Detailed account of when and how the deed was lost or destroyed

7. Search Efforts: Description of all efforts made to locate the lost deed

8. Verification of No Transfer: Statement confirming the property has not been sold, transferred, or encumbered

9. Purpose Declaration: Statement of the purpose for which the affidavit is being made

10. Jurat: Formal conclusion including the oath and commissioner for oaths' attestation