“How Will They Take All This Land And Give It To An Igbo Man?” HBA Accuses Minister Nyesom Wike of Unlawful Demolitions in Abuja

The Home Builders Association of Nigeria has launched serious accusations against Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over his recent order to demolish properties worth over ₦200 billion in Abuja’s Sabon Lugbe area. The association claims these demolitions occurred without a court order and in violation of existing legal proceedings on the affected properties.

The dispute erupted when Wike directed the demolition of several buildings in Sabon Lugbe, a rapidly growing area in the capital. According to the minister, the demolitions aimed to remove “illegal structures.” However, the property owners insist they obtained necessary permits and titles from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) before construction.

Legal Battle Over Demolition Orders

Representing the Home Builders Association, Barrister Kalu Agu revealed that property owners had already taken the matter to the High Court of the FCT. He expressed shock that Wike, a trained lawyer and a Life Bencher with the Nigerian Bar Association, would disregard ongoing litigation. “What concerns our clients is that for the Minister to enter such a place and order the demolition, there should be a court order. The Minister cannot be a judge in his own case,” Agu emphasized during a press conference.

The association’s grievances against Wike are multifaceted, including claims that the demolitions were executed without legal authorization, ignored pending court cases, and may reflect potential conflict of interest, with allegations that Wike intends to reassign the land to different developers.

The demolition has left numerous families without homes, with some claiming targeted bias in the selection of properties for demolition. Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu, an estate developer from Anambra whose 214-hectare investment was affected, accused Wike of harboring tribal bias, suggesting that his Igbo heritage influenced Wike’s decision. He recounted, “Wike started shouting; how will they take all this land and give it to an Igbo man? Then, the next thing we saw was the demolition of the buildings without a court order.”

Many property owners argue they followed legal procedures and received approval from past administrations for construction. They see the demolitions as an “executive fiat” without legal justification.

The FCT Administration (FCTA), through spokesperson Tony Ogunleye, responded to the allegations but did not confirm specific details of the Sabon Lugbe demolitions. Ogunleye maintained that actions taken by the FCTA are based solely on legal and regulatory compliance, without consideration of tribal or religious factors. He affirmed that all demolitions conducted are grounded in documented legal standards.