Falana to Wike: Follow Due Process in Abuja Ground Rent Enforcement

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to uphold the rule of law in the ongoing efforts to recover outstanding ground rents in Abuja.

The FCT Administration, under Wike’s leadership, had published a list of 9,000 debtors in national dailies, warning that their properties could be sealed if they failed to settle their debts. The administration also announced plans to take possession of over 5,000 properties that had reportedly defaulted on ground rent payments for periods ranging from 10 to 43 years.

In line with this directive, the FCTA began sealing several properties, including the headquarters of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), sparking widespread public debate.

However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened, granting a 14-day grace period to allow defaulters to comply. That extension expired on Friday, June 6, 2025. With the Eid celebrations concluding, enforcement activities are expected to resume shortly.

Speaking on Channels Television, Falana emphasized that while the government has a right to demand payment, it must do so lawfully.

“Yes, people are owing. Too bad. But if you want to collect your money, you must go to court. The rule of law must be allowed to operate,” he stated.

Falana urged the FCT Minister to seek redress through the Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal in Abuja, which he described as the appropriate legal body for matters involving demolition and property sealing.

“In other words, anybody who is aggrieved by the threat to seal up a property is advised to go to court. We are operating a democracy,” he added.

The legal luminary’s remarks add to growing calls for transparency and adherence to legal processes in the FCTA’s property enforcement drive.