LunagisthubLand Dispute Rocks Abuja: FCT Minister Wike Accused of Unlawful Land Revocation
A controversy has erupted in Abuja’s land administration, with allegations that Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike revoked 30 hectares of land allocated to top military officers and reallocated it to his associates. The disputed land, initially designated for park and recreation, was allegedly changed to “multi-purpose” by Wike, who then issued fresh Rights of Occupancy to new beneficiaries .
According to sources, the revocation and reallocation were carried out without due process, official recommendations, or existing approvals. A legal practitioner involved in the case claimed that Wike allocated the land to his allies, including a top associate believed to be the current Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Sam Amupitan. The affected military personnel, including a former naval chief, Awwal Gambo, have vested interests in the land and have partly developed it.
The dispute escalated into a confrontation between Wike and soldiers who stopped him and his officials from entering the property in Gudu district, Abuja. The soldiers reportedly refused to allow Wike’s team to access the land, leading to a heated argument.
This is not the first time Wike has been embroiled in a land controversy. He recently revoked land titles owned by prominent individuals and organizations, including former President Muhammadu Buhari’s trust foundation, over non-payment of ground rent
What implications will this controversy have on Wike’s administration, and how will the government respond to allegations of land grabbing?
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