Trending 
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he will meet with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, following the demolition of illegal duplexes built beneath a high-tension power line in Apo Dutse District, Abuja — properties reportedly owned by the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike made this known during an on-the-spot inspection of the demolished buildings on Friday, October 17.
He explained that the structures were erected despite repeated warnings and the refusal of development approval by the FCT Department of Development Control.
Officials of the department had, on Thursday, demolished at least eleven flats consisting of three- and four-bedroom units in the Apo-Dutse area. The operation led to the arrest of some Development Control staff by the police.
“It’s quite unfortunate,” Wike said. “Yesterday, I received a call from Development Control about the need to halt ongoing construction here. You can clearly see the high-tension line — it’s dangerous. The land was allocated to the Nigerian Police, but their application for building approval was denied due to the safety risk.”
He stated that despite being denied permission, the builders continued construction, prompting the Development Control Department to take action.
“Unfortunately, our officers were arrested by the police, which is why I intend to discuss the matter with the IGP. I believe he may not be aware of what happened, but such actions cannot be tolerated,” Wike said.
“The government cannot permit anyone to violate regulations. Look at this high-tension line — it’s a clear hazard. Even without that risk, no one has the right to continue building after being denied approval. No one is above the law,” he added.
