SPOTLIGHTS
- Residents accuse developer Paul Odili of illegal demolition
- The demolition occurred despite an ongoing land dispute case in court
- Residents allege intimidation and attacks by Odili and his associates
- They call on President Tinubu and Minister Wike to intervene
From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Residents of the Committee on Resettlement and Development (CRD) Layout in Lugbe, Abuja, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for intervention against the alleged illegal demolition of their property by a developer, Paul Odili.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Alhaji Abdulwasiu Mustafa, Chairman of the CRD 3 Layout landlords, expressed dismay over the demolition, particularly as the land dispute case is still pending in court.
Mustafa alleged that residents have been subjected to attacks, humiliation, and intimidation by Odili and his associates, even though the court has not yet issued a judgment. He also claimed that these actions have occurred under the watch of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The residents of CRD Layout Lugbe are sending SOS messages to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Barr. Nyesom Wike to come to our aid,” the statement reads. “The land case between CRD and the owner of River Park Estate, Mr Paul Odili, is in court, but we are now witnessing the demolition of our properties, attacks, humiliation, and intimidation by Mr Paul Odili, alias Paulo, and his thugs under the watch of the Nigeria Police Force without the court giving judgment.”
Mustafa questioned how the demolition could occur under President Tinubu’s administration, especially given rumours that Minister Wike is close to Odili. He also contrasted the current situation with the actions of former FCT Minister El-Rufai during Obasanjo’s government, who did not demolish CRD properties due to their valid documentation.