Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over planned demolitions around the national office of Amnesty International Nigeria in Maitama, Abuja, and the reported allocation of a public utility corridor to a private company for real estate development.
Adeyanju raised concerns about the reported plan to develop Plot 5334 in Cadastral Zone A06, questioning why land reportedly reserved for critical drainage infrastructure was being considered for conversion into a private estate.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Adeyanju called on Wike and the relevant authorities to suspend the proposed demolitions and provide an explanation for the reported allocation of the land to Hammari Energy Limited.
He warned that the proposed development could raise concerns about public infrastructure, drainage, flood control and the safety of neighbouring properties.
The controversy follows a statement by Amnesty International Nigeria, which also urged the FCT Minister, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and other relevant authorities to halt demolition activities affecting the corridor pending a legal and technical review.
Amnesty International said the corridor reportedly accommodates underground stormwater and sewage drainage infrastructure constructed by Julius Berger Plc between 2012 and 2014 to help address flooding risks in Maitama.
The organisation expressed concern that construction on the site could obstruct drainage flows, increase flooding risks and potentially affect its national office, nearby residential properties and security facilities.
It also disclosed that a demolition notice dated October 9, 2026, had reportedly been issued by the Director of Development Control, targeting protective boundary structures along the corridor.
Amnesty International further said litigation over the proposed development was ongoing, while an alternative dispute resolution process before the FCT Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee was reportedly nearing completion.
The organisation called for an independent technical assessment of the corridor and a transparent review of the land allocation, including disclosure of relevant allocation records, planning approvals and the legal basis for the proposed private development.
It also urged the authorities to resolve outstanding legal, administrative and technical concerns before taking actions that could cause irreversible damage to public infrastructure or neighbouring properties.
As of the latest reports, the FCT Administration had not publicly provided a detailed response to the concerns raised by Adeyanju and Amnesty International. The allegations surrounding the land allocation and the potential effects of the proposed development remain subject to further clarification.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments