The estate, located near Kugbo in the Karu area of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), was brought down without prior notice, sparking accusations of unlawful demolition and land grabbing.
Tensions are running high in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following the demolition of a multi-million-naira residential estate reportedly sanctioned by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
The estate, located near Kugbo in the Karu area of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), was brought down without prior notice, sparking accusations of unlawful demolition and land grabbing.
According to documents and eyewitness accounts obtained by SaharaReporters, the estate, covering about four hectares and developed by NGBEDE & Brothers International Company Ltd, had secured full development approvals from the FCT Department of Development Control, under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC).
Residents and developers say the demolition, which took place on Thursday morning, was not preceded by any official notice or markings typically mandated by law.
The estate, which included planned infrastructure like roads, a shopping complex, green areas, and over 30 housing units, had already begun development after receiving a formal conveyance of building plan approval on January 24, 2025.
“This is not just shocking; it is criminal,” said a representative of the estate developers who spoke to SaharaReporters. “We had full approval from Development Control. We paid all the required fees, received receipts, and followed due process. Yet, they demolished our property without warning. It’s clear the Minister has a personal interest in this land.”
A voice heard in a video recorded during the demolition also alleged foul play.
“This is an estate with approval from Development Control, yet no notice was served. There was no marking on the property,” the voice said.
“The developer had invested heavily, even building the road and supporting the government. But look at what they’ve done. According to what we’ve heard, the Minister has an interest in the land.”
Documents obtained by SaharaReporters confirm that NGBEDE & Brothers Intl. Co. Ltd. received full building plan approval for Plot 584, Cad Zone E08 in the Nyanya district.
The approval outlined detailed conditions, including the development of 35 residential units, shopping and recreational facilities, environmental considerations like green space, and fencing regulations.
It also mandated that developers notify the authority before starting construction and ensure that all activities stay within their allotted plot.
The approval document, signed by the Director of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadma Usman, states, “You are hereby granted approval, subject absolutely to the following conditions… The Authority is not liable for any impact which your proposed building may suffer in the course of provision of the infrastructure in the area… Failure to comply as stated above is contravention of the law, and the Authority will take appropriate action against you.”
Additionally, a separate payment receipt dated January 16, 2025, confirms that the company paid N2,730,322.00 to the FCTA AMMC Revenue Account for processing and inspection fees related to the project.
The demolition came shortly after Minister Wike opened a new bus terminal in the Kugbo area earlier in the week.
Sources allege that the Minister, during the opening ceremony, gave verbal instructions for the estate to be demolished.
However, Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, Wike, confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters and claimed the property owner was informed.
“The design of the area was changed due to the terminal located on the site. A letter was sent to the property owner to inform him of the new development, but he ignored it. He was asked to wait, but he refused and went ahead with the construction,” Olayinka stated.
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