FCT Minister Orders Arrest Over Collapsed Abuja Hotel

The directive followed his visit to the site of the incident located in Jikwoyi, a suburb within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, where the multi-storey structure caved in last week.

During the inspection, Wike revealed that the building was constructed without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control, despite several stop-work notices issued to the developer. He condemned the disregard for regulatory procedures, describing it as a major threat to public safety.

The Minister emphasized that such negligence would not be tolerated, ordering security agencies to arrest those responsible for the illegal construction. He also disclosed that the FCT Administration would take over the land and repurpose it for public use.

According to officials, the building collapsed while construction work was ongoing. Although no fatalities were recorded, several workers sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Wike warned developers to strictly adhere to building regulations, stressing that approvals are necessary to ensure structural integrity and prevent avoidable disasters. He further directed relevant authorities to intensify enforcement and demolish illegal structures across the territory.

The FCT Administration reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that violators of construction laws would face strict legal consequences.