The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the arrest of the owner of a hotel building that collapsed in Abuja and directed that the land be taken over for public use.
Truth Live News International learnt from Punch Metro that the multi-storey structure caved in last Friday in Jikwoyi while workers were on site, prompting an emergency response.
Wike, who visited the scene on Tuesday, said the building was constructed without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control. He added that the developer ignored multiple stop-work notices issued by authorities.
“There was no approval for the construction of this building,” the minister said, stressing that regulations were deliberately violated.
He confirmed that no lives were lost, though several people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital, warning that the outcome could have been far worse.
Announcing further action, Wike said the government would seize the land and repurpose it for public use, while those responsible for the illegal construction would face prosecution.
He also directed relevant agencies to intensify enforcement, including demolishing unapproved structures, to prevent future incidents.
The minister emphasized that strict compliance with building regulations is necessary to ensure safety and prevent the use of substandard materials, which often lead to structural failures.
