The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to meet with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, following the controversial demolition of illegal duplexes.
According to a statement by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike made the disclosure on Friday during an on-the-spot assessment of the demolished structures.
Olayinka disclosed that the said buildings in Apo Dutse District reportedly belong to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
During the inspection, Olayinka said the minister explained that the buildings were demolished following repeated warnings to the property owners.
The demolished structures, comprising at least eleven flats with three and four bedrooms, were pulled down on Thursday by staff of the Development Control Department due to safety concerns, as they were constructed directly under a high-tension power line.
The demolition reportedly led to the arrest of some Development Control officers by police personnel.
"Well, it’s unfortunate. Yesterday, I got a call from Development Control that they had to come here to stop some buildings from going on.
"You can see the high-tension line, and that is dangerous. The land was given to the Nigerian Police, and they applied for approval, but Development Control refused because of the high-tension risk.
"They refused to stop, and Development Control had to act. Unfortunately, our officers were arrested by the Nigerian Police, and that’s why I have to take this matter up with the IGP.
"I’m sure he may not be aware, but we cannot allow this. The government cannot allow anyone to break the rules. Look at the high-tension line.
"How would anybody take such a risk? Even if there was no high-tension line, once you are denied approval, you cannot go ahead as if you are above the law," Wike said.
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