Reps to Probe Land Fraud in FCT, Aiming for Transparency and Fairness

The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to investigate the alleged fraudulent allocation of title documents to some real estate developers before the appointment of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Mr. Jonathan Gbefwi, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State. Gbefwi, a member of the Social Democratic Party, highlighted concerns about the issuance of land documents in the FCT before Wike’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023.

Gbefwi stated, “The House wonders if the Director of Lands or any official of the Federal Capital Territory Development Administration had the legal right or authority to issue the Right of Occupancy purportedly in the name of the Minister of FCT during the vacancy of the Minister’s office.”

He added, “The House is concerned about lands under litigation and the potential for conflicts arising from disputed allocations. It is essential to ensure that all title documents are issued lawfully to maintain public trust.”

Following the resolution, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu directed the Committee on FCT to investigate all land allocations made in the name of the Minister of FCT between January and August 2023. The House also resolved to identify lands subject to litigation or multiple allocations and recommended that their allocation be withdrawn pending resolution.

The committee is expected to report back to the House in four weeks, underscoring the commitment to transparency and fairness in land allocation processes.