The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ministerial Task Force on Wednesday stopped ongoing construction at the disputed River Park Estate in Lugbe, Abuja, and arrested workers accused of defying a court order.
An Abuja High Court had earlier directed all parties in the River Park Estate ownership dispute to maintain the status quo and stay off contested properties pending the determination of the case. The ruling followed a long-running legal battle over land ownership and development rights in the estate.
Despite the order, members of the task force, accompanied by security operatives, said they found several workers actively building on site.
One of the developers, identified as Paul Odili, was arrested along with workers who confirmed they were working under his supervision. He was later released on bail after being taken to the STS/SARS office in Area 1, Guzape.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) also demolished more than 30 substructures, citing violations of planning regulations and disregard for earlier stop-work notices. Officials accused the affected developers of ignoring the withdrawal of their lease agreements and recommendations of a ministerial committee, which had advised that all undeveloped plots in River Park Estate be reverted to the FCTA.
The committee, chaired by Barrister Salman Dako, submitted its report last week. It recommended revocation of undeveloped plots due to breaches of the Development Lease Agreement, particularly over expiration and non-compliance with terms. However, it clarified that holders of valid customary titles who had developed their plots in line with planning and development control regulations should retain ownership, in line with a subsisting court judgment.
Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who led the enforcement exercise, said the demolition was prompted by intelligence reports that developers were rushing to put up structures in defiance of official directives.
“We got reports that certain developers were hurriedly working day and night to develop some of the vacant plots. As an agency, we served them notice to stop work. This morning, we saw them still working, so we are removing the structures—the excavations and foundations already put on the ground,” Galadima said.
He confirmed that more than 30 foundations had been dug but insisted they would all be destroyed.
“Whoever we see on site, we remove it. Luckily, they are just at excavation level. But wherever we see any new development coming up, we will remove it again,” he warned.
Despite the stop-work order, sources alleged that construction continued in Sector Center and Cluster 3 of the estate, with workers linked to Paulo Homes and Aazik Homes still carrying out activities.
Authorities said enforcement would continue until full compliance with court and ministerial directives is achieved.
