*Arrests Odili, Workers For Defying Orders
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has halted the development of more than 30 sub-structures at the River Park Estate in Abuja over alleged violations of planning regulations.
According to the administration, the affected developers proceeded with construction despite the withdrawal of their lease agreements and the recommendations of a ministerial committee that all undeveloped plots in the estate be reverted to the FCTA.
The move follows the submission of a report by the committee set up on August 8, 2025, by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to review controversies surrounding River Park Estate.
“One Paul Odili was also arrested after all the workers confirmed they were working for him. He was taken to STS/SARS office in Area 1 Guzape. He was released on a N200million bail and a directive to submit his passport,” a top source told newsmen.
Presenting the report last week, committee chairman Barr. Salman Dako explained that the revocation of undeveloped plots became necessary due to the expiration and breach of the Development Lease Agreement (DLA). He added that the decision was also intended to reassert administrative control in line with Clause 9.2 of the DLA.
The committee, however, recommended that holders of valid “customary” titles within the estate who had developed their plots in line with planning regulations should retain their rights, in accordance with an existing court judgment.
Leading enforcement officers to the site on Wednesday, Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, said developers had been working day and night in defiance of the stop-work notices served on them.
“About a week ago, there was an event at the Honourable Minister’s office where two committees submitted their reports. One of the recommendations was that all undeveloped plots within the estate be reverted back to the FCTA. We got a report that certain developers were hurriedly working day and night to develop some vacant plots. This morning we came, we saw them working, and that’s why we are removing the structures,” Galadima said.
He disclosed that more than 30 foundations had already been dug, adding that they would be covered. “Whatever we see on site, we remove it. This is just the beginning. Luckily, they are just at excavation level, but wherever we see any new development coming up, we will remove it,” he warned.
On claims that Paulo Homes was behind the disputed developments, Galadima said the matter would be clarified by the FCTA legal secretariat. He further hinted that prosecutions could follow if developers persisted in defying regulations.
Meanwhile, some residents said they were already suffering from the crisis. Pastor Chimdi Obwe, who lives in the adjoining Ciarudi area, lamented that he had been denied access to his home by the developer and lost part of his property.
“My fence was demolished, and now I can’t drive to my house because the access road has been blocked. I have to park somewhere else and trek, which has made life difficult for me and my children,” he said.