The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land titles of several high-profile individuals and organizations in Abuja, citing non-payment of statutory fees and failure to comply with the terms of allocation.
Among those affected are the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation, linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and his wife, Regina Akume.
In an announcement made on Thursday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) disclosed that 762 plots of land in the upscale Maitama District were repossessed due to non-payment of Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills. Additionally, the FCTA issued a stern warning to 614 individuals and organizations, threatening to withdraw their rights of occupancy unless outstanding bills were settled within two weeks.
Minister Wike defended the decision, stating:
“This is not targeted at any individual or group. It is about restoring order and ensuring compliance with the laws governing land allocation in the Federal Capital Territory. Those who owe must pay, and if they refuse, the law will take its course.”
The minister further referenced Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which grants him authority to revoke occupancy rights for non-compliance.
Reacting to the development, Garba Shehu, former presidential spokesperson, clarified the situation regarding the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation. He emphasized that the land belonged to the foundation and not the former president personally. Shehu added:
“This is a case of bureaucratic misunderstanding. Former President Buhari has always acted with integrity and even declined offers of more land during his presidency, insisting that others without land should be prioritized.”
The revocation also affected notable individuals such as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno; and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.
Wike reiterated his administration’s commitment to enforcing Abuja’s land regulations. “No one is above the law. The days of impunity in the FCT are over. We are determined to restore Abuja to its original master plan,” he declared.
The decision has sparked debates about land compliance, with critics questioning whether the revocation disproportionately affects prominent figures or reflects an impartial commitment to law enforcement.
