Wike Orders Arrest, Seizes Land After Abuja Building Collapse

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate arrest of the developer behind a collapsed building in Abuja’s Jikwoyi area and directed that the land be seized for public use.

The directive followed an on-site inspection by the minister after the two-storey structure caved in on Friday, leaving several construction workers injured.

Wike said the building was erected without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control, despite repeated warnings to halt construction.

“There was no approval for the construction of this building. Development Control had issued stop-work notices, but the company ignored the notices and continued regardless,” he said.

He added that the government would act decisively against violations, stressing that “where there is a clear violation, the law must take its course.”

The minister further ordered that the land be taken over by the government and converted to public use, noting that the host community would be consulted on what project should be sited there.

Authorities said about 17 workers were on the upper floor of the building at the time of the collapse. At least five sustained injuries, while one worker trapped beneath the rubble was later rescued by emergency responders.

Emergency teams from multiple agencies, including the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, the National Emergency Management Agency, and security services, were deployed to the scene to conduct rescue operations.

Wike emphasised the importance of strict adherence to building regulations, warning that developers who flout approval processes risk sanctions, including demolition and prosecution.

He also directed relevant agencies to intensify enforcement against illegal structures across the FCT to prevent similar incidents and safeguard lives and property.