The Senate has intervened in the ongoing property demolitions in Abuja, directing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike to immediately halt the demolitions. The decision was made following growing concerns over the irregularities and hardships caused by these actions. The directive was issued on Thursday, with the Senate citing various complaints about the demolitions affecting residents and businesses in the area.
The Senate's intervention followed a motion by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT), who raised concerns about the demolitions' legality and the significant losses they caused to individuals and businesses, including properties worth billions of naira. The motion was seconded by Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central), who also criticized the demolitions for violating due process and failing to take proper procedures into account. The revocation and demolition of Paulosa Estate, a property allocated in 1984, was specifically cited as an example of unjust actions.
In response to the situation, the Senate summoned Wike to appear before an ad hoc committee led by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau to address the issues raised. The committee has been tasked with investigating the matter and providing a report within two weeks. While some senators, including Senator Karimi Sunday (APC – Kogi West), argued that the demolitions should only be halted after hearing from the minister, others, including Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC – Ondo Central), emphasized the importance of not taking irreversible actions during the investigation process. Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed support for the resolution, stressing that fairness and adherence to legal procedures should be the priority.
As a result of the Senate's resolution, the FCT administration has been instructed to stop all demolitions unless ordered by a court, until the investigation concludes. The committee, composed of key senators, will ensure a thorough and fair review of the demolitions and related actions. The committee will gather all necessary evidence to make informed recommendations based on the findings.
Meanwhile, Wike, addressing a separate event on Thursday, strongly dismissed allegations of land grabbing and reiterated his administration's stance against illegal land acquisitions. He emphasized that the FCT government would not tolerate violations of land regulations, regardless of the individuals involved, and would take necessary actions to address such contraventions. Wike also warned individuals owing ground rents to settle their debts, or risk facing revocation of their land titles. Additionally, he announced plans to hand over 12 new police divisions to the FCT Commissioner of Police by April 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen security in the capital.
