Home Builders Association Accuses Wike of Unlawful Demolition of N200 Billion Properties in Abuja
The Home Builders Association of Nigeria has raised concerns about recent actions taken by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of ordering the demolition of properties valued at over N200 billion in the Sabon Lugbe area of Abuja. This alleged action, they claim, was carried out without a court order.
During a recent press conference attended by industry analysts, Barrister Kalu Agu, legal representative for the Home Builders Association of Nigeria, disclosed these allegations. Agu emphasized that his clients hold all the required title documents for the Sabon Lugbe properties. Additionally, before construction began, they secured the necessary building permits from the Development Control under the FCT Administration (FCTA). Agu asserted that the FCT's Development Control had verified these permits and confirmed his clients’ ownership, backed by proof of statutory payments made to the agency.
However, Agu expressed shock at the minister's actions, stating, “Without prior notice, the Minister, by executive directive, ordered Development Control to proceed to Sabon Lugbe and demolish properties valued at over N200 billion.” He noted that this demolition has displaced numerous residents, leaving many without homes.
Agu further contended that the area in question is currently under litigation, with court processes actively being exchanged between disputing parties. He emphasized that no court order from a competent jurisdiction within the FCT had sanctioned the demolition, asserting, “For the Minister to authorize such action, a court order should be required. The Minister cannot act as judge in his own case.” He also alleged that the FCT Minister might be intending to reassign the land to another developer.
In response to allegations that his clients were unlawfully occupying the land, Agu refuted these claims, stressing the importance of allowing the court to issue a formal ruling on the matter. He also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in, urging that the Minister be restrained from further actions until the court reaches a decision.