The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) recently detained 15 individuals involved in unauthorized construction activities on government-reclaimed land within the disputed River Park Estate in Lugbe.
These detainees, identified as employees of a developer named Mr. Paul Odili from Paulo Homes, were apprehended by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) after continuing building works despite the cancellation of their lease and clear ministerial orders to cease all development.
ACP Mohammed Iya, the Chief Security Officer to the FCT Minister, disclosed that the developer had consistently ignored summons from the administration.
“This action became imperative following his reported threats against FCT staff and derogatory remarks directed at the FCT Minister,” he explained.
“Mr. Odili was subsequently brought to the IRT headquarters, where he was detained along with 15 workers found on the premises,” Iya added.
However, Odili was later released on administrative bail due to medical reasons.
“He is currently hospitalized at the National Hospital, Abuja, preparing for a major surgical procedure. The investigation into the matter is ongoing,” Iya confirmed.
Mukhtar Galadima, FCTA’s Director of Development Control who led the enforcement team, affirmed the arrests and pledged legal action against those responsible.
He revealed that the developers had been covertly defying government directives.
“Despite orders to vacate and the covering of some excavation sites, reports on Friday indicated ongoing construction behind the shopping complex,” Galadima stated.
“We inspected the site this morning, observed the unauthorized activities, and cleared the area once more. Our team will return on Monday to continue enforcement,” he added.
Galadima clarified that all fcta-demolishes-illegal-structures-river-park/” title=”… Takes Bold Action Against Illegal … in River Park Estate, Demolishes 30 Unauthorized Structures”>undeveloped plots within the estate were reclaimed by the FCTA after the Development Lease Agreement expired and was breached, following recommendations from a ministerial committee established by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in August.
During this week’s operation, over 30 illegal structures-including building foundations and boundary fences-were dismantled for violating planning laws.
He issued a stern warning against further infractions, stating, “Any new construction will be met with immediate removal.”
This enforcement action was prompted by a report from a committee chaired by Barrister Salman Dako, which advised revoking undeveloped land titles to restore administrative authority.
Nonetheless, the committee recommended that owners of previously recognized “customary” titles who had developed their properties in compliance with regulations be allowed to maintain their holdings, consistent with an existing court ruling.
