A political earthquake rocked Abkes 1,095 Abuja Properties Owned by Nigeria’s Powerful Elite
A political earthquake rocked Abuja on Friday as the Federl Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced the mass revocation of 1,095 properties, targeting some of the most powerful figures in Nigeria’s political, military, and business class.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered the sweeping action after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to defaulters who failed to pay ground rent, land use conversion and violation fees—despite repeated notices.
The announcement, contained in a public notice released by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, warned that full enforcement would begin immediately, with no sacred cows.
According to the FCTA, 835 property owners ignored ground rent obligations, while 260 others failed to clear conversion and violation fees—actions the administration says breach Section 28 of the Land Use Act and violate the terms of their Rights of Occupancy.
The list reads like a Who’s Who of Nigeria’s ruling class.
Among those affected are former First Lady Patience Jonathan, ex-Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, ambassador-nominee Kayode Are, and Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Also named is serving Minister of State John Enoh; the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus; and ex-acting PDP Chairman Abubakar Baraje.
The political shockwave intensified with the inclusion of multiple former governors, among them Abdullahi Ganduje, Sule Lamido, Ayo Fayose, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Donald Duke, Niyi Adebayo, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Aliyu Wamakko, and Gado Nasko.
A long line of former ministers were also swept up in what is now being described as the biggest property crackdown in FCT history, including Kema Chikwe, Dapo Sarumi, Idika Kalu, Olu Agunloye, and Inna Ciroma.
The legislature was not spared: senators and ex-lawmakers such as Ali Ndume, Osita Izunaso, Caleb Zagi, Ganiyu Solomon, Olabode Olajumoke, Iya Abubakar, Abubakar Sodangi, Iyiola Omisore, Patrick Obahiagbon, Usman Bugaje, Abba Aji, Shehu Agaie, Patience Ogodo, and Mao Ohuabunwa also appear on the revocation roll.
Wike’s order comes with a clear message: Abuja’s land laws will no longer be treated as optional. Enforcement teams are now set to move in—even on already-developed properties—until every kobo owed to the FCTA is recovered.
