By MOHAMMED DANBAB
Abuja Property Demolition Sparks Fresh Legal and Governance Controversy
A fresh controversy has erupted in Abuja following allegations that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, presided over the demolition of a private property in defiance of a subsisting court order, raising serious questions about due process, rule of law, and the conduct of security agencies.
The demolished property, owned by Most Realty and Investment Limited, is located in the Kukwaba District of Abuja. The incident occurred despite the company formally serving court papers restraining any action on the disputed land, which is currently the subject of litigation at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
Officials Storm Site Despite Court Restraint
According to accounts gathered from the site, officials of the FCT Development Control Department, backed by heavily armed Nigerian police officers, moved into the property early on Monday, December 16, 2025, with bulldozers and demolition equipment. All structures on the land were subsequently pulled down.
The action reportedly ignored a pending lawsuit filed by the property owner, Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/4425/2025 – Most Realty and Investment Limited v. The Honourable Minister of FCT & 4 Others, which was instituted on November 4, 2025.
Legal documents indicate that the suit sought to restrain the FCT Administration and its agents from tampering with the property until the court determines the matter.
Property Re-Designated After Demolition
Further raising concerns, the land—originally known as Plot 541B, Cadastral Zone B00, Kukwaba District—was reportedly re-designated as Plot 833B shortly after the demolition. A new perimeter fence was hurriedly erected around the land, triggering fears that the property may be earmarked for reallocation to undisclosed interests.
Observers say the swift re-designation and fencing have intensified suspicion around the intent behind the demolition, especially given the unresolved legal dispute.
Police Allegedly Sell Demolished Materials
In a disturbing twist, witnesses alleged that police officers involved in the operation later returned to the site alongside scavengers, where iron rods and other salvaged building materials from the demolished structures were openly sold.
Videos and photographs from the scene reportedly show security personnel supervising or allowing the removal and sale of materials, an action that has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability within law enforcement agencies.
Owner Insists on Lawful Ownership
Speaking on the development, Moses, the owner of Most Realty and Investment Limited, maintained that his company has remained the equitable and beneficial owner of the property since July 2007, enjoying uninterrupted possession for over 17 years.
He said all statutory fees demanded by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had been fully paid, stressing that no formal notice of revocation was ever issued before the demolition, contrary to legal requirements.
“I have been paying all required fees without any issue,” Moses said. “People have offered between ₦1 billion and ₦1.5 billion to buy the land, but that is not our plan. We want to partner with Chinese investors to develop it.”
Warnings Ignored Despite Legal Notices
According to the property owner, following the filing of the suit, his lawyers wrote several letters to the FCT Minister, the Director of Lands, and other relevant agencies, notifying them of the pending court case and urging all parties to maintain the status quo.
Despite these communications, Moses said officials repeatedly warned him that the property would be demolished within 24 hours.
“I was confused because everything was already in court,” he explained. “The minister and other authorities were served with court papers, yet they still went ahead.”
‘I Chose Peace Over Bloodshed’
Moses disclosed that he deliberately avoided confrontation at the site to prevent violence.
“I instructed everyone not to fight or resist. I did not want any bloodshed,” he said. “Even when I went to the Director of Lands with my original documents, I was told his hands were tied.”
He further alleged that security posts, fencing, and all existing structures were destroyed, while digging activities reportedly resumed around the fence line even after the demolition.
Case Still Pending in Court
As of the time of filing this report, the matter remains pending before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, with no ruling yet delivered on the legality of the demolition or the alleged reallocation of the land.
The incident has reignited public debate over executive overreach, land administration abuses, and respect for court orders in Nigeria’s capital city, with many calling for an independent investigation into the roles played by the FCTA and the Nigerian Police Force.
Growing Concerns Over Rule of Law in Abuja
Legal analysts warn that ignoring court processes sets a dangerous precedent, especially in a city meant to symbolize national unity and the supremacy of the law.
As pressure mounts, civil society groups and rights advocates are urging the judiciary, the Police Service Commission, and the National Assembly to intervene and ensure accountability.
For now, the rubble at Kukwaba District stands as a stark reminder of a legal battle far from over—and a test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice.
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