FCTA Seizes Land, Prosecutes Owner of Collapsed Abuja Hotel

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced on Tuesday the immediate seizure of land where a multi-story hotel collapsed last Friday in the Jikwoyi area of Abuja. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, confirmed that the owner of the building will be arrested and prosecuted for constructing the hotel without legal authorization.

The collapse occurred after the developer repeatedly ignored stop-work notices issued by the Department of Development Control, despite lacking formal approval to proceed with construction. Although there were no fatalities, several individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals.

The Minister emphasized that the safety of lives and buildings constructed without supervision, often using substandard materials, is a primary concern. The developer will face criminal prosecution for violating building regulations that endanger the public.

The FCTA declared a zero-tolerance policy towards developers bypassing legal channels and will begin immediate demolition of unauthorized structures.