FCT Minister Wike Faces Contempt Proceedings Over Alleged Court Order Violation

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, faces potential contempt of court proceedings following allegations that he ordered the demolition of a Maitama property in defiance of a valid court order.

Abuja-based legal practitioner Balla Dakum issued the threat on behalf of his client, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim, Chairman of Mykas Grid Ventures Ltd, during a press briefing held on Tuesday. The disputed property, located at Plot AO6/4583 in the highbrow Maitama District, had its perimeter fence and security house demolished by officials of the FCT Development Control Department.

"We have called this press conference to address a deeply troubling development that occurred this morning involving the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike," Dakum stated. "Earlier today, despite a valid and subsisting court order directing all parties to maintain status quo, the minister proceeded to demolish a fence on the disputed property."

The lawyer emphasised that Justice Hamza Mu'azu of the FCT High Court had issued the status quo order on February 10, 2026, pending the hearing of a motion on notice. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 23, 2026.

Dakum stressed the constitutional implications of the minister's alleged actions. "Let us be very clear: once a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order to maintain status quo, that order is binding on all parties—regardless of position, power, or office. The rule of law is the foundation of Nigeria's democracy. No individual, no matter how highly placed, is above the law."

The lawyer described the demolition as raising "serious constitutional and legal concerns," suggesting it demonstrates disregard for judicial authority and undermines public confidence in state institutions. He confirmed that his legal team would apply for Form 48, the procedural step necessary to initiate contempt proceedings that could result in imprisonment.

"Worthy of note is the fact that this same Wike is a lawyer and a member of the body of benchers," Dakum added. "But he came with over 50 armed policemen to take over a property he claimed he allocated to Italia Company Limited. This action was taken without any formal prior notice."

The property owner, Alhaji Ibrahim, explained that he received the original allocation of the 1.5-hectare plot in 2006 during Malam Nasir El-Rufai's tenure as FCT Minister. The land was subsequently reduced to 8,572.60 square metres following a redesign to accommodate parking for the nearby As-Salam Mosque.

According to Ibrahim, the dispute began in November 2025 when the land was reallocated to Italia Company Limited without his consent, prompting him to institute legal action. He alleged that he received a phone call from a security operative instructing him to vacate the premises shortly before the demolition squad arrived.

"They didn't allow me to remove my belongings. They even moved my trucks away without taking inventory," Ibrahim stated.

Dakum has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution the minister against what he described as a flagrant disregard for court orders. The legal practitioner noted that court orders are not suggestions but directives backed by the full force of the law.

The case, filed as motion ex-parte marked M/16354/2025, seeks an interim injunction restraining the FCT Minister and Italia Company Limited from forcefully taking possession of the property. The latest developments place additional pressure on the judiciary to enforce its orders against high-ranking government officials.