Wike Accused Of Land Grabbing After Demolishing Approved Estate In Abuja
A multi-million-naira estate in the Karu area of Abuja has been demolished on the orders of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, sparking outrage and allegations of land grabbing.
The estate, located near Kugbo in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), was pulled down without any prior notice, according to residents and developers, despite having full development approval from the FCT Department of Development Control under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC).
Eyewitnesses and documents obtained by SaharaReporters confirm that the estate, developed by NGBEDE & Brothers International Company Ltd, spanned four hectares and had received official building plan approval on January 24, 2025.
The developers said the demolition occurred without any markings or formal warnings as required by law.
They claim they had followed due process, paid all required fees, and commenced work on roads, green areas, a shopping complex, and over 30 housing units.
“This is not just shocking; it is criminal,” a representative of the developers told SaharaReporters. “We had full approval. We paid every fee and got all our receipts. Yet, the Minister demolished our project without warning. It’s obvious he has a personal interest in this land.”
A voice in a video recorded at the scene accused the Minister of acting on personal interest.
“The estate had approval from Development Control. No notice was served. No marking was made. We heard the Minister has an interest in the land.”
Official documents confirm the developer was granted approval for Plot 584, Cad Zone E08, in Nyanya, to construct 35 residential units along with commercial and recreational facilities.
The approval also included environmental and fencing requirements, and it was signed by the Director of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadma Usman.
A receipt dated January 16, 2025, confirms a payment of N2,730,322.00 made to the FCTA AMMC Revenue Account for project-related fees.
The demolition reportedly followed the opening of a new bus terminal in the same area by Wike earlier in the week.
Sources allege he issued verbal orders for the estate to be removed.
Reacting to the incident, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the demolition and claimed the property owner was informed in advance.
“The design of the area was changed because of the terminal located on the site. A letter was sent to the owner, but he ignored it. He was told to wait, but he continued building,” Olayinka said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
