By PHILIP YATAI

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday demolished a multimillion naira duplex built on plot 226, in Wuse Zone 6, an unapproved land.

This came barely a week after the new Minister of FCT, Barr. Nyesome Wike, assumed office with a threat to demolish buildings erected in unapproved places.

Mr Mukhtar Gidado, Director, Department of Development Control, said that the demolished building was illegally developed against all warnings.

Gidado said that his team had carried out extensive investigation to ascertain the original owner of the plot, given varying claims that were being put forth by the parties.

He added that investigation revealed that the developer was not the owner of the plot, adding, “that is why we had to remove the building.”

According to him, the FCT Administration will not consider the status of any defaulting developer once development rules and regulations are violated.

Gidado said: “We demolished the duplex because somebody built on someone else’s land without valid title and building plan approval.

“We allowed the building to this stage before demolishing it because we had to follow all due processes.”

The director said that the supposed owner of the building was served all the notices to stop work, saying, “but being a disobedient developer, he continued without heeding to the notices.

“After our investigation, we have ascertained the rightful allottee of the plot, so we have to remove the building.

“We are going to consult the legal department to know the next action against the developer.” (Adapted from a NAN report)