Wike Faces Allegations of Abuja Land Revocation and Allocation to Ally

Residents of a compound in Life Camp, Abuja, have raised alarm over the revocation of their land by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Families in the 2.2-hectare property, originally allocated to retired army colonel Paul Ogbebor in 1984, were issued a notice to vacate immediately or face severe consequences. The directive has left multiple households in distress, with calls for the minister to reconsider the decision to avoid a humanitarian crisis.

The compound, home to Nigerian families and expatriates, has been under the control of the Ogbebor estate since the colonel’s passing in 2020. Former President Muhammadu Buhari had hailed Ogbebor’s military contributions, particularly his role as a hero in the Nigerian Civil War. Despite this legacy, the families were ordered to leave by November 22, with demolition threats looming since the deadline expired weeks ago.

Documents circulating online reveal that the land has been reallocated to Saravera Nigeria Ltd, a venture linked to Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, a lawmaker from Rivers State and a long-time associate of Mr. Wike. Mr. Chinda, who once served as Mr. Wike’s legal assistant during his tenure as a local government chairman, has remained a trusted ally, with critics alleging he acts as a proxy for Mr. Wike’s personal interests.

Mr. Wike, wielding significant powers over Abuja’s land administration, has faced criticism for transferring the prime land to his close associate. This move has reignited concerns over corruption and nepotism, with detractors accusing him of misusing his office to amass public assets for personal gain.

Land allocation controversies have historically plagued Abuja, with previous FCT ministers facing allegations of mismanagement. Critics argue that Mr. Wike’s actions follow a troubling precedent, where lucrative lands are reallocated under questionable circumstances. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has investigated past ministers, though many have denied wrongdoing, citing efforts to expand and adhere to Abuja’s master plan.

Questions remain about the financial arrangements behind Mr. Chinda’s acquisition of the land, including whether any payments were made. His dual role as a federal lawmaker and a director at Saravera also appears to breach Nigeria’s code of conduct for public officeholders, raising further legal and ethical concerns.

Mr. Chinda declined to comment when approached by reporters. However, Mr. Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, defended the minister’s actions, stating that the Ogbebor family failed to regularize their ownership of the land despite multiple opportunities. He insisted the reallocation adhered to legal frameworks and denied any conflict of interest.

“Kingsley Chinda is entitled to own land in Abuja, just like any Nigerian citizen,” Mr. Olayinka argued, dismissing accusations of favoritism. He questioned whether Mr. Wike’s associates should be barred from accessing their rights due to the minister’s current position.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has also faced criticism for granting Mr. Wike broad powers over land administration, with opponents accusing the government of prioritizing political patronage over addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges. While the president has denied these allegations, critics argue the ongoing land disputes are a symptom of deeper governance issues.