Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the imposition of ₦5 million fines on several high-profile individuals and institutions, including former Kano State governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for the unlawful conversion of properties in Abuja.
The sanctions, announced in an advertorial published in national newspapers, apply to both living and deceased individuals as well as private and public institutions. They were penalized for altering the approved use of their properties without authorization, in violation of the terms of their right of occupancy.
Wike directed that the affected allottees must pay the violation fees within 30 days, by September 10, 2025. He also approved the issuance of new title documents to reflect the updated land use, with a fresh term of 99 years, once all conditions are met.
The properties are located across 15 streets in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, Garki I, and Garki II.
Among those sanctioned, Ganduje was cited for redesigning an approved residence on Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, into a banking hall without approval. Similarly, a property on Gana Street, Maitama, belonging to the late General Tunde Idiagbon, former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters under the Babangida regime, was converted into Serendib Hotel and Suites.
Former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, was fined for converting a residential plot on Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro, into Zhouyi Hotel.
Two former Chief Justices of Nigeria (CJNs), Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams and Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, were also penalized. Justice Fatai-Williams’ Maitama residence was converted into a wood factory and shopping centre, while Justice Mukhtar’s property was turned into a supermarket.
Other affected persons include former senator Shehu Sani, whose property at Aminu Kano Crescent was converted into a showroom; former Governors Forum DG, Okauru Okauru, also for conversion into a showroom; and retired military officer, Lt. Gen. Rufus Kupolati, for turning his residence into a gym.
The FCT Administration further listed former minister, Abba Gana, for redesigning his Maitama residence into a mall without approval; the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), for converting its residential property into NNPC Medical Services; and the Nigeria Police, for repurposing a public place for POWA activities.
