The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, faces the threat of contempt of court proceedings following the alleged demolition of structures on a disputed property in Maitama, Abuja, in defiance of a subsisting court order to maintain the status quo.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when officials from the FCT Development Control Department, reportedly acting under Wike's directive, demolished the fence and security house at Plot No. AO6/4583 (also known as Plot 4583), Maitama District.
The action took place despite an interim order issued by the FCT High Court on February 10, 2026, directing all parties to preserve the status quo pending the hearing of a motion on notice.
The property, originally allocated in 2006 to Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim, Chairman of Mykas Grid Ventures Ltd, measures approximately 8,572.60 square meters (after a redesign that reduced its original 1.5-hectare size to accommodate parking for the As-Salam Mosque).
Ibrahim alleges that the land was reallocated in November 2025 to Italia Company Limited without his consent, prompting him to file a lawsuit against the FCT Minister and the company.
The ex-parte motion, marked M/16354/2025 and filed on December 5, 2025, sought an interim injunction to restrain the defendants from taking forceful possession. Justice Hamza Mu’azu of the FCT High Court, Maitama, granted the order after hearing arguments from Ibrahim's legal team, led by Abuja-based lawyer Mr. Balla Dakum. The case has been adjourned to April 23, 2026, for further hearing.
Speaking at a press briefing following the demolition, Mr. Balla Dakum condemned the action as a flagrant disregard for judicial authority. “Despite a valid and subsisting court order directing all parties to maintain status quo, the minister proceeded to demolish a fence on the disputed property. This action took place after he had been duly served with the court processes and the order,” Dakum stated.
He emphasized that court orders are binding on everyone, regardless of position. “Let us be very clear: once a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order to maintain status quo, that order is binding on all parties regardless of position, power, or office.”
Dakum highlighted Wike's background as a lawyer and member of the Body of Benchers, noting the minister allegedly arrived with over 50 armed policemen to oversee the takeover without prior formal notice.
Dakum announced plans to initiate contempt proceedings, including serving a Form 48 notice, which could lead to commitment to prison if proven. He called on President Bola Tinubu to caution the minister against such actions, arguing that the demolition undermines public confidence in institutions and the rule of law.
Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim recounted receiving a call from a security operative to vacate the premises before the demolition. He claimed his belongings, including trucks, were removed without inventory, despite the court’s protection.
The development adds to ongoing controversies surrounding land administration and demolitions in the FCT under Wike's tenure. No immediate response from the FCT Minister or his office was detailed in reports on the incident.
The matter remains before the court, with potential legal consequences hinging on whether the alleged breach is established.
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