Wike Issues Order for Arrest and Demolition of Structures on Diplomatic Land

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed law enforcement to apprehend a developer and demolish illegally constructed buildings on parcels of land allocated to foreign missions in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension in Abuja.

This land, situated in Abuja's Diplomatic Zone, was initially granted on March 18, 2008, to ten embassies for residential use.

Additionally, part of the land has been reserved for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria to establish a 132/133KV power station.

During a recent inspection of various projects in Abuja, Wike stated that the FCT Administration found that an individual had unlawfully taken over the plots and constructed buildings without the necessary approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

He indicated that the Department of Development Control has been instructed to dismantle all unauthorized structures on the land.

"This land was allocated for diplomatic missions. Someone came and seized the land, starting construction without FCDA approval. We cannot permit such illegal occupation to persist," he emphasized.

The allocated plots are designated for diplomatic missions from countries including Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Wike mentioned that the FCT Administration has begun notifying these missions to claim their allocated lands.

Moreover, he confirmed that the suspected developer, Alhaji Kabiru Sahara, has been arrested and will face prosecution following ongoing police investigations.

"The individual has been apprehended and will be brought to court. The police are currently conducting investigations, and he is likely to be charged soon," he added.

Wike made these remarks while assessing several infrastructure projects across Abuja, including the redesign of the Abuja City Gate and the road linking from Bill Clinton Drive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Tunga Madaki community, which will be expanded to connect with Zuba. He also inspected roads connecting Baze University, the Body of Benchers, Nile University, and the Wupa Light Rail Station in the Idu area of Abuja, along with the Office Annex for the Body of Benchers.