The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate arrest of the owner of a collapsed building in Jikwoyi, Abuja, and directed that the land be taken over by the government for public use.
Wike gave the directive on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the site where a multi-storey hotel building caved in last Friday.
The minister disclosed that the structure was erected without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control, despite multiple warnings to halt construction.
“There was no approval for the construction of this building,” Wike said.
“Development Control had issued stop-work notices, but the company ignored the notices and continued regardless.”
He stressed that the collapse was a direct consequence of the developer’s refusal to comply with regulatory directives, describing the incident as avoidable.
Although no lives were lost, the minister confirmed that several persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital, warning that the outcome could have been far worse.
Wike further announced that the FCT Administration would seize the plot and repurpose it for public use, noting that consultations would be held with the host community to determine an appropriate project for the site.
“It is important that we act decisively. Where there is clear violation, the law must take its course,” he stated.
He added that those responsible for the illegal construction would be prosecuted in line with existing laws.
The minister also directed relevant agencies to intensify enforcement efforts, including demolishing structures built without approval, to prevent future occurrences.
Emphasising the importance of due process, Wike warned developers to strictly adhere to building regulations, noting that official approvals enable authorities to monitor construction standards and ensure the use of safe materials.
He reiterated that the administration’s priority remains the protection of lives and property, stressing that unregulated construction poses significant risks to public safety.
