Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has imposed a ₦5 million fine each on several prominent Nigerians, including former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, for allegedly converting their properties to unauthorised uses in Abuja.
Naija News reports that the sanction also affects deceased statesmen, ex-governors, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, corporate bodies, and government institutions accused of breaching the Right of Occupancy conditions under which the lands were originally allocated.
In a paid advertisement in national dailies, the FCT Administration ordered all affected property owners to pay the penalty violation fee within 30 days, with a deadline of September 10, 2025.
The exercise covers properties across 15 streets in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse 2, Garki 1 and Garki 2.
Wike also approved the issuance of new title documents reflecting the updated land use for a fresh 99-year tenure, provided the owners meet all stipulated conditions.
The FCTA alleged that Ganduje, without approval, redesigned a residence at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse 2, into a banking hall.
Similarly, a property at Gana Street, Maitama, registered in the name of the late General Tunde Idiagbon, was said to have been converted into Serendib Hotel and Suites.
Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, was sanctioned for allegedly turning a residential plot at Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro, into Zhouyi Hotel.
Also listed were two former Chief Justices of Nigeria: Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams, whose Maitama residence was allegedly repurposed into a wood factory and shopping complex, and Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, accused of converting her residential property into a supermarket.
Other high-profile violators named
Other prominent Nigerians indicted in the exercise include:
Senator Shehu Sani – accused of converting an approved residence at Aminu Kano Crescent into a showroom.
Okauru Okauru, former DG of the Governors’ Forum, for turning a residence into a showroom.
Lt. Gen. Rufus Kupolati (retd.) for redesigning a residential property into a gym.
Abba Gana, former FCT minister, for allegedly converting a Maitama residence into a mall.
Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) – for converting a residential building into NNPC Medical Services.
The Nigeria Police Force – for converting a public space into a facility for the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA).
The FCT Administration maintained that the sanctions were part of a broader review of Abuja’s land use compliance framework, stressing that no individual or institution would be spared.
“Allottees must comply with the conditions of the right of occupancy. Any violation attracts consequences,” the notice read.
Wike, who has repeatedly vowed to restore Abuja’s master plan, warned that defaulting property owners risk stiffer sanctions, including revocation of titles.
The post Wike Slams Ganduje, Ex-CJNs, Others With ₦5 Million Fine Over Illegal Property Conversions appeared first on Naija News.
