Wike Orders Arrest After Building Collapse

Wike Orders Arrest After Building Collapse

In Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday ordered the arrest of a developer after a multi-storey hotel collapsed in the Jikwoyi area.

Authorities also moved to seize the land, announcing plans to convert it for public use following the incident last Friday.

The minister said the building was constructed without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control and had ignored several “stop-work” directives.

During an inspection of the site, he explained that “Despite the lack of formal approval, the company proceeded with construction, leading to the eventual structural failure.

He noted that no lives were lost, though some individuals were injured and taken to hospital.

According to him, the outcome could have been worse if the collapse had occurred under different conditions, reinforcing concerns about safety standards in ongoing developments.

The government said it would take over the land and consult residents on a suitable public project for the site.

Officials also warned that stricter enforcement would follow, including demolitions and prosecution of violators, stressing that “It is important that we act decisively. Where there is clear violation, the law must take its course.”