The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has imposed a N5 million fine on several notable individuals and institutions, including former All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
The penalty is for unauthorized conversion of properties in Abuja from their designated use.
The sanctions apply to both living and deceased persons, as well as private and public organisations, that have modified their properties without approval, thereby violating the terms of their occupancy rights.
In a public announcement in newspapers, Wike mandated that all affected property owners pay the penalty within 30 days, with a deadline of September 10, 2025.
This directive is part of an official review of land use for properties across 15 high-end streets in the Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse 2, Garki 1, and Garki 2 districts of the FCT.
Following the payment of the fine and compliance with all requirements, the minister has also approved the issuance of new 99-year title documents reflecting the properties’ updated land use.
The FCT administration stated that Ganduje converted a residential building on Adetokunbo Ademola in Wuse 2 into a banking hall without authorisation.
Similarly, a residential property on Gana Street in Maitama, owned by the late General Tunde Idiagbon, former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, was illegally transformed into Serendib Hotel and Suites.
Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, was also fined for converting a residential plot on Yakubu Gowon Crescent in Asokoro into Zhouyi Hotel without permission.
Other distinguished individuals cited for land use violations include two former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams and Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar.
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According to the FCT administration, Fatai-Williams’ residence on Gana Street, Maitama, was converted into a wood factory and a two-story shopping centre, while Mukhtar’s residential property was turned into a supermarket.
The list of offenders includes Senator Shehu Sani, who turned his approved residence on Aminu Kano Crescent into a showroom; Okauru Okauru, former Director-General of the Governors Forum, who converted a residential property into a showroom; and Lt. Gen. Rufus Kupolati, a former military officer, who illegally repurposed his residential property as a gym.
Additionally, former FCT Minister Abba Gana was sanctioned for redesigning his residence at Usuma, Maitama, into a mall without approval.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) was penalised for converting a residential property into NNPC Medical Services, and the Nigeria Police Force was fined for converting a public space for the use of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA).
