- Over 700 Plots Forfeited in Maitama Over Non-Payment of Statutory Fees
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has revoked the land titles of several prominent individuals, including a foundation associated with former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.
The revocation, announced on Thursday, affects 762 plots of land in Maitama District. According to the FCT Administration (FCTA), the action was taken due to non-payment of statutory fees required for the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).
In a public notice, the FCTA stated:
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plots of land in Maitama 1 who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy bills that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn.”
The revocation was carried out under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the Minister to withdraw land rights for non-compliance with payment obligations.
Among those affected are: Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation (not personally owned by Buhari); Former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and his wife; Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen; Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno; Former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin; Former Senators Andy Uba and Smart Adeyemi
In response, Garba Shehu, a spokesman for Muhammadu Buhari, clarified that the former president is not the owner of the revoked land. Shehu explained that the plot had been allocated in the name of the “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation,” a charitable initiative floated by associates of the former president.
“The [former] President is personally not the owner of the said plot of land… The Foundation ran into a roadblock in the FCDA, which handed them an outrageous bill for the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, very high in cost and not comparable to bills given to similar organisations,” Shehu stated.
The FCTA also warned 614 other individuals and organisations to settle outstanding bills within two weeks to avoid losing their land rights.
The sweeping revocation has sparked discussions about accountability and compliance in land administration within the FCT. Minister Wike has previously pledged to sanitise land allocation and ensure adherence to the law, a stance that has now culminated in this high-profile action.
