The Federal Capital Territory Administration has issued a stern warning against any interference with lands revoked as per the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. 

This caution was issued when officials from the Development Control Department, led by its Director, Muktar Galadima, thwarted attempts by some owners of revoked lands in Maitama District to continue development on these sites.

The team, accompanied by security personnel, seized building equipment found on the sites, dispersed some workers and detained others for profiling. 

It is noteworthy that Wike had revoked around 165 land plots in the FCT service districts due to non-development. The revocation order was issued due to persistent violations of the terms of agreements as stipulated in Section 28(5) (a) & (b) of the Land Use Act.

Galadima, while addressing journalists during the operation, revealed that his office had received reports of some owners of revoked lands returning to these sites, which is a clear violation of the order. 

He stated, ““Recently, FCTA revoked some plots for non-development, and also sent the last warning on abandoned buildings in December, 2022. So, it is unfortunate that those revoked properties, some people are trying to come back and work on them, particularly on weekends.”

He further added that any individual found working on a revoked property will not only have their structure removed but will also face prosecution. 

Regarding reports that some affected property owners might have sought legal redress, he stated that he was unaware of such developments and would leave it to the court to decide.