By Thaimu Thullah

A former Director of Surveys and Lands at the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment, S. A. Luseni, has released an investigative report alleging a coordinated attempt to unlawfully take over parcels of land in Waterloo, Western Rural District, using what he describes as fake Licensed Surveyor (LS) numbers, doctored survey plans and allegedly fabricated title documents.

The report centers on lands located in Nyamba Town and Maluseni Village at Joe Town, Waterloo, which S. A. Luseni says belong to James M. Legg and his company, Jong High Peak Enterprises. The document raises concerns about the integrity of survey and title records submitted in court  and renews public scrutiny over longstanding claims of land grabbing and document falsification in the fast-growing Western Area.

According to the report, S. A. Luseni, who is also identified as a Licensed Surveyor, was invited to conduct an independent professional investigation at the request of Magistrate Hadiru K. Daboh, who presided over the case at Court No. 3, Ross Road, East End of Freetown.

The investigation, S. A. Luseni stated, was initiated after competing parties presented conflicting claims of ownership over the disputed parcels of land, prompting the court to seek technical verification of survey documentation and related records.

In his assessment, S. A. Luseni, reported that documents presented by Abdul Rahman Olu Kamara, Mohamed Davies Koroma and Abubakar Kamara, who were said to be claiming ownership of the lands, contained irregularities he described as inconsistent with standard professional and administrative practice.

The disputed documents bore two different LS numbers for the same parcels of land;

The LS numbers in question were reportedly registered on the same date and in the same year, which, according to the report, is highly irregular under normal professional standards; and

- A. Luseni argued that the inconsistencies undermine the credibility of the survey plans and title documents used to support the ownership claims.

The former Director concluded that the records he reviewed were “deeply flawed,” and suggested that the anomalies raised serious doubts about authenticity and due process in the creation and submission of the documents.

- A. Luseni’s report further alleges that the disputed survey and title documents were used in an attempt to dispossess James M. Legg and Jong High Peak Enterprises of land said to be legally owned by them. He warned that such practices, if proven, point to broader weaknesses in land administration safeguards and the potential exploitation of survey processes to advance fraudulent claims.

The dispute has reportedly resurfaced before the High Court, where it is now said to be before Justice Andrew Johnson. Observers following the case say the renewed hearing places heightened responsibility on the court to carefully scrutinize the documents and claims presented, particularly given the technical issues raised in the earlier investigation.

The report also includes an appeal for attention from senior judicial authorities, citing the public importance of protecting lawful property rights and maintaining confidence in court-supervised land dispute resolution.

Land disputes have become increasingly common in and around the Western Area as demand rises for residential, commercial and agricultural land. Legal and governance analysts warn that alleged document falsification and inconsistent survey records can fuel conflict, discourage investment and erode trust in public institutions responsible for land management.

If the allegations outlined in S. A. Luseni’s report are substantiated through court proceedings, it could prompt renewed calls for tighter verification systems, stronger sanctions for falsification and reforms to improve transparency and traceability in land documentation processes. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/fake-ls-numbers-and-doctored-plans-how-a-waterloo-land-dispute-unravelled/