Wike to Meet IGP over Demolition of ‘Illegal’ Police Duplexes in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he will meet with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following the demolition of illegal buildings allegedly constructed by the Nigeria Police Force under a high-tension power line in the Apo Dutse District of Abuja.

Wike disclosed this on Friday during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected site, where several duplexes were pulled down by officials of the FCT Department of Development Control.

Officials of the FCT Department of Development Control had, on Thursday, demolished at least 11 units of flats, comprising three- and four-bedroom apartments, in the Apo Dutse area of the nation’s capital.

The action reportedly led to the arrest of Development Control staff by police officers, prompting Wike’s intervention.

Speaking to journalists at the site, the minister expressed disappointment that such structures were erected despite repeated warnings and the denial of building approval due to safety concerns.

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Wike described the development as “unfortunate,” insisting that the government would not tolerate any act of impunity, regardless of the party involved.

“Well, it’s unfortunate. Yesterday, I got a call from Development Control that they had to come here to stop some buildings from going on,” he said.

“You can see the high-tension line, and that is dangerous. The land was given to the Nigerian Police, and they applied for approval, but Development Control refused because of the high-tension risk.”

The minister said the authorities acted within the law when they moved to halt the construction, adding that the developers disregarded both the denial of approval and the safety warnings issued by the FCT Administration.

“They refused to stop, and Development Control had to act. Unfortunately, our officers were arrested by the Nigerian Police, and that’s why I have to take this matter up with the IGP,” Wike said.

“I’m sure he may not be aware, but we cannot allow this. The government cannot allow anyone to break the rules. Look at the high-tension line, how would anybody take such a risk? Even if there was no high-tension line, once you are denied approval, you cannot go ahead as if you are above the law.”

Minister vows to engage IGP

The FCT minister said he would personally engage the Inspector-General of Police to clarify the situation and ensure such incidents do not reoccur.

He maintained that the administration under his watch would continue to enforce compliance with the Abuja Master Plan, warning that public institutions and private developers alike must adhere strictly to development regulations.

“Nobody, no matter how highly placed, is permitted to violate building laws in the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.