Estate developers in Abuja are upset with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike. They are displeased because the Minister approved the demolition of properties in the city.

According to the association, the demolition was carried out without a court order. They’ve gone ahead and called on the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to call Wike to order.

Barrister Kalu Agu’s Response to Wike’s Decision

During a press conference in Abuja, Barrister Kalu Agu, counsel for the Home Builders Association, shared some opinions about the demolition of properties.

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He mentioned that the demolition of properties in the Sabon-Lugbe area has left over 100 families homeless. The lawyer said he was displeased that Wike, being a lawyer, went ahead and pulled down houses built on land that was legally given to these families by the FCDA.

Me Agu also explained that affected homeowners filed a case against Wike at the High Court after hearing his plans to demolish their homes. And the papers have been sent to the Minister.

“Today, we want to tell Nigerians about how the Minister is allegedly abusing his power by ordering these properties to be demolished,” Mr Agu said. He further went on to say that no prior notice was given to the homeowners, and the Minister isn’t allowed to be a judge of his case.

This remark from Mr Agu is borne out of Wike’s statement in October 2024, in which he called the people land grabbers.

What Is Wike’s Reason for Demolition of Properties?

Well, according to Mr Agu, Minister Wike’s decision to pull down houses was based on his interest. In his words, “It’s important for Nigerians to know that the reason for the demolition is because the Honourable Minister wants to give the same land to different developers.”

“Also, it’s no news that the same land has been given to another developer. This offer was made to them on October 31, 2024, He added.

From this act, Mr Agu concluded that the Honorable Minister had a personal interest in the land at the beginning. “His intention was to demolish the houses and give the land to his friends and colleagues,” Mr Agu said.

Agu Accuses FCTA of Not Complying With Court Order

Mr Agu further said that the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) didn’t comply with the law despite knowing that Minister Wike demolished the houses without legal authority.

He also explained that the homeowners had already gone to court to stop the demolition of properties. And they had filed their case at the High Court.

However, even after this, the houses were still torn down. “When a case is in court, everyone involved is expected to follow the legal process and not make any changes,” he said.

He also added that the Minister’s actions show a lack of respect for the court’s authority. Mr Agu also accused the FCTA of offering the land to another developer despite the issues at hand. Well, he’s called out on the President to call the Minister to address the issue.