Wike’s Alleged Land Grab Scandal Rocks FCT As Victims Accuse Minister Of Defying Courts, Illegally Reallocating Land

A major land-grabbing scandal is engulfing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with accusations of blatant disregard for the law, court orders, and due process levelled against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

The Minister stands accused of orchestrating a systematic land grab, allegedly benefiting cronies, and causing billions of Naira in damages to affected individuals and businesses.

The crisis is unfolding amidst a deluge of over 1,000 petitions and court cases filed by those claiming their lands were illegally revoked and reallocated.

Daily reports paint a picture of chaotic land administration, with allegations of files opened in days,

Right of Occupancy was granted in hours, and Certificates of Occupancy were issued within mere hours under Wike’s leadership.

One particularly shocking case involves Excess Energy Ltd, a company approved in 2017 to develop a recreational park on Plot 1606, Guzape District.

Despite securing all necessary permits, paying ground rent, and even obtaining building plan approval, the company’s structures were demolished on November 21st, 2024 – a day after a court granted an injunction preventing the Minister from interfering with the plot.

The demolition, sources claim, was executed to pave the way for Eagle Eye Integrated Drive Concept Limited, a company that applied for the plot on September 6th, 2024, and received a Certificate of Occupancy just days later – a breathtakingly fast turnaround.

This Certificate numbered 66913, was issued on the same day Wike marked “QUIT” on Excess Energy’s property.

Adding insult to injury, the plot, designated a green area for recreational purposes, was reallocated for mixed-use development, a clear violation of land use regulations.

FCTA officials, many reportedly bewildered by the Minister’s actions, a whisper of blatant disregard for established procedures and the blatant favouritism shown to select companies.

Multiple sources allege that the land grabs are benefiting close associates of the Minister.

This brazen flouting of the law, they fear, will not only damage the FCT’s development but also severely deter both local and foreign investment.

The Minister’s office has yet to respond to these serious allegations, but the sheer scale of the accusations and the documented evidence have sparked outrage and calls for a thorough, independent investigation.

The question on everyone’s lips is: will justice prevail, or will this become another chapter in the long and sordid history of land grabbing in Nigeria?
It will be recalled that Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, has faced numerous allegations of land grabbing and disobeying court orders throughout his political career.

His responses to these allegations have been varied and often defiant. He has generally denied the accusations, frequently framing them as politically motivated attacks by opponents seeking to undermine his administration.

Defence strategy often involves highlighting development projects undertaken on the land in question, arguing that the acquisitions were for the public good and necessary for infrastructural development.
Accusations of his administration flouting court orders about land matters have been persistent, leading to criticisms about his respect for the rule of law.

He has, at times, publicly challenged the judiciary, sparking controversies and raising concerns about the independence of the judicial branch in the state.

It’s important to note that while Wike’s pronouncements and actions constitute his side of the story, these accusations are serious and require independent verification.
A thorough examination of the land titles, acquisition processes, compensation records, and court documents would be necessary to determine the veracity of the allegations.

The lack of transparency surrounding many land transactions during his governorship has fueled public scepticism and contributed to the ongoing debate. Consequently, a comprehensive assessment needs to consider all available evidence and perspectives before concluding the matter.