Wike Says No One Can Unlawfully Seize Land in Abuja, Orders Halt to Development

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that no individual regardless of their former position or influence can unlawfully appropriate any portion of land in Abuja.

He described recent attempts to do so by a former Chief of Naval Staff as “lawless and unacceptable.”

Wike condemned the alleged illegal occupation and development of a disputed land parcel in the capital by military personnel reportedly acting on the orders of the retired naval officer.

He insisted that such actions flagrantly violate the rule of law and would not be tolerated under his administration.

The controversy surfaced on Tuesday after videos circulated online showing Wike in a heated exchange with uniformed military personnel at a construction site in Abuja.

The Minister said he personally visited the location after receiving reports that soldiers had forcibly driven away officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who were enforcing development control directives.

“No individual, no matter their former office or position, will be allowed to intimidate government authorities or obstruct lawful enforcement,” Wike said.

He explained that the Department of Development Control and the Land Department are constitutionally mandated to monitor illegal land developments and prevent unauthorized constructions within the FCT.

“When this matter was brought to my attention, I instructed that all activities at the site be stopped immediately because there were no legal documents,no regional approvals, no valid acquisition,” he said.

According to Wike, while FCTA officials were on site to enforce this directive, they were confronted and chased away by armed soldiers allegedly acting under the orders of the retired senior officer.

“I was informed that the soldiers chased away our officials, which is clearly illegal,” “Later, I was told the military had taken over the site again. That was why I came here personally to see things for myself. It’s really unfortunate.”he said.

Expressing disbelief, Wike said it was disappointing that a person who once held such a high position in the military would engage in acts of intimidation rather than follow due process.

“I don’t understand how someone who once occupied that office could not approach my office to explain the situation,” “Instead, because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation.”he said.

Wike further disclosed that when FCTA officials demanded legal documents authorizing the development, none were produced.

“The Director of Development Control asked them to produce documents. They had none. He asked for building approval—they couldn’t provide it,” “How can we continue to allow this kind of lawlessness? What about ordinary Nigerians who don’t have the military behind them?”he said.

The Minister emphasized that the FCT Administration would not permit the misuse of military authority to obstruct legitimate urban regulation, insisting that the rule of law must apply to everyone equally.

“I have spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, and they assured me that the matter will be addressed,” “We are not looking for confrontation or chaos, but I will not allow this illegality to continue. The same laws we enforce elsewhere will be enforced here.”Wike said.

Wike reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring order, transparency, and accountability in Abuja’s land management system.

He warned that the FCTA would continue to reclaim all illegally acquired or encroached lands, irrespective of the status or influence of those involved.

“Nobody—whether a former Chief of Naval Staff or anyone else—will be allowed to carry out illegal development on government land,” he declared.