Disputed FCT land: FCTA faults claimants’ documents, says no approval granted

Officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have taken responsibility for the confrontation between FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, at a disputed site in Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja.

The incident, which went viral in a video showing naval personnel blocking the Minister from accessing the site, stemmed from a development linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).

Speaking after the FCT Executive Committee meeting, the Director of the Department of Development Control, Tpl Mukhtar Galadima, apologised to the Minister and the public, expressing regret over the circumstances that escalated into a tense standoff.

“It is with a sense of commitment, emotion and regret that we address this press conference on the incident that happened on Tuesday, 11th November, 2025, at the Gaduwa District,” Galadima said.

He explained that officials discovered ongoing construction on October 17 within the Southern Parkway corridor but were met with threats from armed naval officers when they requested approval documents. The documents eventually presented, he said, included only a 2007 letter of intent issued by the Department of Parks and Recreation—far from a recognised development approval.

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Galadima said he appealed repeatedly to officers on site to produce valid approvals and later invited the Minister when the presence of armed men suggested imminent danger.

“Seeing armed men strategically positioned, ready to shoot, I sent a distress call to the Honorable Minister to come for an on-the-spot assessment. And on getting there, that ugly incident happened,” he said. “I sincerely apologize to the Minister and to all Nigerians for what happened.”

He stressed that the development was illegal under the FCT Act of 1976 and the Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992.

The Director of Lands Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, also clarified that the claimants had no statutory title to the property, noting that the 18-year-old letter of intent they relied on neither conferred ownership nor granted approval to build.

He said the letter contained strict conditions—such as submission of a detailed technical proposal within 21 days and completion of development within one year—none of which were fulfilled. He further noted that no lease agreement was issued, and no development occurred on the site by the required 2008 deadline.

“Beyond not having title, in Abuja you cannot build anything without approval of the plans you submitted,” Nwankwoeze stressed, adding that the structures were erected illegally after all related documents had long been withdrawn.

The officials reaffirmed that the enforcement action was necessary to uphold Abuja’s development standards and the rule of law, while acknowledging the disruption caused by the episode.

Disputed FCT land: FCTA faults claimants’ documents, says no approval granted

Regina Daniels: Abuja hospital disowns leaked medical document

Serenity Royale Hospital has distanced itself from a medical report circulating online and allegedly linked to Regina Daniels, the estranged wife of Senator Ned Nwoko.

In a statement issued by the management of the Abuja-based facility, the hospital said the document did not originate from it and urged the public to disregard the report, which purports to detail a “mid-term home detox” programme.

“DISCLAIMER! Our attention has been drawn to a post (on an alleged MID TERM HOME DETOX REPORT) being circulated online in the name of Serenity Royale Hospital with respect to Mrs Nwoko Regina,” the statement read.

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“We wish to state clearly that the publication and circulation of the said post containing classified information did not emanate from us and respectfully request the public to disregard same.

“We remain committed to high standard medical practice with huge commitment to ensuring medical confidentiality. Thank you, Management, Serenity Royale Hospital.”

The viral report had claimed the actress tested positive for several substances, including marijuana, cocaine and high levels of alcohol, as part of an alleged detoxification exercise.

However, the hospital’s disclaimer has cast doubt on the authenticity of the document, reinforcing its stance on protecting patient privacy and upholding professional ethics.

Regina Daniels: Abuja hospital disowns leaked medical document

Ex-PDP ward Chairman abducted in midnight raid in Kwara Community

A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Boriya–Shiya Ward of Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, Abubakar Sabi Sise, has been abducted by suspected kidnappers.

Sise, who is also a well-known trader in the area, was reportedly taken from his residence in Boriya during a midnight attack on Thursday.

According to Barutem TV, the assailants stormed the house around 12 a.m., firing several shots into the air before forcing their way into the compound. Sources said one of Sise’s sons returned home late and unknowingly walked into the incident. The gunmen allegedly compelled him to summon his father and open the door.

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Once inside, the attackers took only Alhaji Sise, leaving other family members unharmed.

Residents said spent shells and live rounds were found around the house at daybreak, indicating heavy gunfire during the operation. They described the attack as brief but frightening, noting that the kidnappers left within minutes.

Local vigilante operatives were immediately alerted and have since launched a search of surrounding areas in an attempt to locate the victim and apprehend the suspects.

The incident is the second kidnapping in the area in less than two months. On September 17, a businessman was abducted from his home in Shiya, a neighbouring community a few kilometres from Boriya.

As at the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of Sise remain unknown.

Ex-PDP ward Chairman abducted in midnight raid in Kwara Community