Nyesom Wike has approved the seizure of land in Maitama, Abuja, due to individuals’ failure to renew their land titles for years.
The list seen by BBC Pidgin includes land owned by the foundation of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, which is said to be owed over one billion naira.
“Following the expiry of the grace period given by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to the landowners to pay the outstanding dues, the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) has seized the land,” a statement from the FCTA said.
According to the statement, this is in line with the provisions of the 1978 Land Titles Act, which states that the government has the power to seize land if the owner fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the law.
The order affects several prominent figures, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and his wife Regina, who are owed over N34 million for land title renewals.
Prominent politicians include Senator Dino Melaye, who is running for governor of Kogi State, Senator Shehu Sani, a political activist who is running for governor of Kaduna State, former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, Senator Abdul Ningi, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia State.
The case also affects religious institutions such as the Methodist Church of Nigeria, which is owed about N2 million.
After the FCTA confiscated about 762 plots of land, there is also a list of those who have paid part of their arrears, with the agency urging them to quickly complete the payment of the remaining amounts within two weeks.
There is no complete information on how many years the people have been in debt, nor is there any information on the amount they are expected to pay each year.
There is also no complete information on whether the move is final or if they may take other steps before the land is confiscated.
