Wike Orders Arrest of Jikwoyi Building Owner, Seizes Land for Public Use
ABUJA, NIGERIA – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the owner of a two-storey building that collapsed in the Jikwoyi area of Abuja on Good Friday, April 3.
The minister also announced the seizure of the land, which will be converted to public use following consultations with the local community.
Wike issued the directives during an on-the-spot assessment of the collapse site on Tuesday, April 7, expressing outrage at the developer’s blatant disregard for regulatory authorities. The structure, reportedly intended as a hotel, was being erected without any building plan approval from the FCT Department of Development Control.
“There was no approval for the construction of this building. Development Control had issued stop-work notices, but the company ignored the notices and continued regardless,” Wike stated.
He emphasized that the defiance of official orders directly contributed to the structural failure. Fortunately, no lives were lost, though some individuals sustained injuries and were hospitalized.
Wike announced that the FCT Administration will immediately take over the plot of land. “We will find out from the community what they will want the government to build for them for public use,” he said.
Security agencies have been tasked with ensuring the swift apprehension and prosecution of those responsible, including the owner and any involved contractors.
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