NIGERIA TV INFO — JUDICIARY & GOVERNANCE

Wike Threatened With Contempt Proceedings Over Alleged Demolition Of Maitama Property Despite Court Order

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been threatened with contempt of court proceedings following the alleged demolition of a property in Maitama District, Abuja, reportedly in defiance of a subsisting court order.

The warning was issued by Abuja-based legal practitioner, Balla Dakum, who condemned what he described as the unlawful demolition of a disputed property located at Plot 4583, Maitama.

Addressing judiciary correspondents at a press briefing in Abuja, Dakum spoke on behalf of his client, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim, Chairman of Mykas Grid Ventures Ltd. He alleged that officials of the FCT Development Control Department, acting on the directive of the minister, demolished the fence and security house attached to the property on Tuesday morning.

According to the lawyer, the action was taken despite a valid court order directing all parties involved in the dispute to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case.

“We have called this press conference to address a deeply troubling development that occurred this morning involving the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike,” Dakum stated.

“Earlier today, despite a valid and subsisting court order directing all parties to maintain status quo, the minister proceeded to demolish a fence on the disputed property situate at Plot No. AO6/4583, Maitama, Abuja.”

Dakum argued that the alleged demolition amounts to a clear disregard for the rule of law and warned that his client would not hesitate to initiate contempt proceedings against the minister and relevant FCT officials.

He further called on the judiciary to uphold the sanctity of its orders and ensure that no individual, regardless of position, acts above the law.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the office of the FCT Minister regarding the allegations.

More details are expected as the legal dispute unfolds.