ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday ordered the arrest and prosecution of the owner of a collapsed building in Jikoyi, Abuja, over alleged illegal construction.
Wike, who visited the site for an on-the-spot assessment, said the building had no approval from the FCT Department of Development Control, despite earlier directives to stop work.
“There was no approval for the construction of this building. Development Control issued a stop-work notice, but the developers ignored it and continued,” he said.
The minister disclosed that although no lives were lost, some persons were injured and taken to hospital, warning that the incident could have resulted in fatalities.
He announced that the FCT Administration had taken over the property, adding that those responsible would be prosecuted in line with the law.
Wike vowed that the government would no longer tolerate illegal structures in the capital, directing enforcement agencies to clamp down on violators.
“We will not hesitate to demolish any building without approval, regardless of who is involved,” he said.
He urged developers to comply with laid-down procedures, stressing that proper approval allows authorities to monitor construction quality and prevent disasters.
The minister reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to enforce building regulations strictly to protect lives and property in Abuja.
