Legal experts and a civil society group fault the FCT Minister’s conduct during an altercation over a disputed property in Gaduwa.
Lawyers and a civil society organisation have strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his heated confrontation with a military officer during an attempted demolition of a property allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.
The incident occurred at Plot 1946 in the Gaduwa District of Abuja, where soldiers reportedly blocked officials of the FCTA’s Development Control Department from demolishing a structure said to be under illegal development. Daily Trust reported that the soldiers acted under instructions to prevent access, leading to a clash when Wike arrived at the site.
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), condemned the minister’s conduct, calling it “disgraceful and unbecoming of a public office holder.” He said the altercation amounted to an abuse of power and accused Wike of handling the matter in an uncivil manner. Rafsanjani added that such behaviour undermines public confidence in governance and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution the minister.
He also referenced allegations made by Senator Ireti Kingibe and others that the minister had wrongly reallocated lands to political associates, warning that such actions paint the government in a negative light.
Legal experts also faulted Wike’s approach. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dayo Akinlaja, described the situation as a reflection of deeper systemic issues and noted that the conflict could have been better managed. Another lawyer, Jibrin S. Jibrin, argued that the minister’s confrontation was avoidable and unnecessary, stressing that existing laws already provide clear procedures for addressing property disputes and illegal developments.
The FCTA’s Development Control Department had stated earlier that the property in question was never allocated by the administration and lacked any form of building approval. Under Abuja regulations, any construction without such approval is deemed illegal and subject to demolition.
Wike reportedly visited the site after officials attempting to demolish the structure were prevented from doing so. A heated exchange followed between the minister and a military officer, with both men raising their voices. Wike accused the soldiers of acting on orders from the former naval chief and vowed that illegal development would not be tolerated.
Speaking to journalists afterward, Wike insisted that neither intimidation nor the influence of former high-ranking officers would derail the FCTA’s efforts to enforce compliance with Abuja’s urban development laws. He said he had already briefed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who promised to look into the matter.
As of the time of reporting, Vice Admiral Gambo had not responded to calls or messages seeking clarification.
The confrontation adds to the growing tension around land administration in the FCT. Since assuming office in 2023, Wike has ramped up enforcement against illegal land acquisitions, unauthorised developments, and failure to comply with approved land-use regulations. His tenure has seen several demolitions and renewed scrutiny of property documentation across the capital.
Just recently, the minister issued a fourteen-day ultimatum to property owners in several high-profile districts, warning that defaulters who violated land-use provisions would face penalties and enforcement actions.