Reps order arrest of FCDA officials over building code violations in FCT

The House of Representatives has ordered the arrest of the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, for failing to appear before the Committee on Public Petitions regarding alleged violations of building regulations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The House Committee on Public Petitions also directed the arrest of the Director of the Department of Development Control (FCTA), Muktar Galadima, and the Director of Regional Planning of the FCT.

The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Mike Etaba, announced the decision during the committee’s resumed hearing, stating that the officials’ arrest was in line with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2017.

The committee mandated the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetekun, to not only carry out the arrests but also ensure the officials appear before the committee on the 28th of this month to explain their roles in the alleged infractions.

Etaba expressed frustration over the officials’ repeated failure to honour the committee’s summons, stating that their refusal left him with no choice but to enforce the law.

Leading committee members on an on-the-spot assessment of the disputed building site in Guzape, Etaba disclosed that the FCDA officials would be required to provide critical documents to verify the petitioner’s claims.

“We received a petition from a Nigerian citizen, and in the course of our investigation, the FCDA refused to provide the necessary documents for us to proceed. Today, we have come to the site referenced in the petition.”

“We reviewed the building plans, and the site engineer, Mr Emmanuel, confirmed that he does not currently have an approved building plan. We have assessed the structure, its footprint, and the cantilever extension, which the petitioner—a Nigerian citizen with the right to security and safety—has raised concerns about.”

“We will return to the committee to request additional documents, particularly the approved building plan. This will allow the FCDA to clarify the guidelines issued for this project and help us determine what is appropriate for this site so that residents in the area can have peace. Our role is to ensure justice for all parties involved,” he stated.

During its proceedings on Tuesday, the committee had adopted a petition concerning Plot AO9399 in the cadastral zone. The petition was filed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Elder Leke Abejide.

Counsel to Abejide, Barrister Samuel Ajayi, explained that the petition related to a construction project at AO9399 in the cadastral zone, which allegedly violated the FCT building code.

“We have a complaint regarding a building under construction in Guzape that has encroached on my client’s rights. We urge the relevant authorities to take appropriate action to resolve the issue,” he said.

With the arrest warrant now in place, the House Committee on Public Petitions is determined to hold the FCDA accountable and ensure compliance with building regulations in the nation’s capital.