FEMI FALANA WARNS WIKE AGAINST ILLEGAL PROPERTY SEIZURES IN ABUJA, URGES LEGAL RECOURSE

Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has issued a stern warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over what he describes as an unlawful approach to recovering outstanding ground rents from property owners in Abuja. Falana, speaking during an appearance on Channels Television on Monday, cautioned that while it is important to ensure compliance with statutory financial obligations, government enforcement must be carried out strictly within the bounds of the law.
The legal expert was reacting to the recent decision by the Wike-led FCT Administration (FCTA) to publish the names of over 9,000 property owners said to be defaulting on ground rent payments—some allegedly for as long as 43 years. In a bid to compel payment, the FCTA threatened to seal or even take possession of the affected properties. Some buildings have already been sealed, including one linked to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), before President Bola Tinubu reportedly intervened and directed that a 14-day grace period be granted. That window expired on Friday, June 6, 2025, and enforcement is expected to resume imminently.
Falana emphasized that while defaulting on statutory payments is inexcusable, the minister cannot resort to unilateral actions such as sealing properties or repossessing land without first obtaining a court order. “Yes, people are owing. Too bad. But if you want to collect your money, you must go to court,” he said pointedly, adding that administrative agencies are not above the law and must adhere to due process. He clarified that under Nigeria’s legal framework, the appropriate body for resolving such disputes is the Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal in Abuja, not the minister or any executive authority.
He further warned that affected property owners have the constitutional right to challenge the FCTA’s actions in court, and any enforcement carried out without legal backing could be overturned. “The rule of law must be allowed to operate. We are operating a democracy,” Falana stressed. He reminded the public and government officials alike that arbitrary enforcement undermines constitutional order and can erode public confidence in democratic governance.
As the Eid-el-Kabir festivities wind down and the FCTA gears up to resume enforcement, Falana’s remarks have reignited public debate over the legality, proportionality, and fairness of the administration’s crackdown. Civil society groups have begun echoing similar concerns, urging caution and transparency in the recovery process. Meanwhile, affected property owners await clarification from the FCTA on whether further actions will now proceed through the courts or continue via executive directives.