The controversy surrounding land ownership in Abuja has taken a dramatic turn.
Olarere Olayinka, the Senior Special Adviser to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has denied allegations of land grabbing by the FCT Administration.
Speaking on Wednesday, Olayinka called on accusers to present credible evidence of ownership before making public claims.
The uproar began after Paullosa Nigeria Limited, a construction company, raised alarm over a demolition notice issued for its estate in Life Camp, Abuja.
The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had served the notice after alleged unmet conditions for a Right of Occupancy.
Mr. Vincent Enoghase, the General Manager of Paullosa Estate, accused the FCDA of unfair treatment.
According to him, the company had paid N10 million as part of the required fees but was yet to receive the promised documentation when the notice was served.
Adding fuel to the fire, social media critic Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, released a video alleging foul play.
In the video, he claimed the land was reassigned to Saravera Nigeria Limited and Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.
Otse alleged, “This same Saravera is managing Wike’s hotel in Port Harcourt. Kingsley Chinda is also a major beneficiary of this land transfer.”
He further called on Nigeria’s armed forces to intervene, emphasizing that the original landowner was a celebrated army officer who passed away just four years ago.
The video sparked outrage, with many questioning the motives behind the land’s reallocation.
Responding to the claims, Olayinka provided a detailed explanation of the land’s history.
According to him, the property at Plot 2241, Gwarimpa District, was initially granted a temporary Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) in 1984.
Paullosa Nigeria Limited reportedly used the land for decades without obtaining full government approval.
“In 2020, after 36 years of unauthorized occupation, Paullosa applied for a statutory Right of Occupancy,” Olayinka revealed.
He explained that the approval was granted in February 2023, subject to specific terms.
The terms included payments totaling over N57 million, covering ground rent and premiums dating back to 1984.
“For 20 months, Paullosa refused to meet these conditions,” Olayinka stated.
Due to the company’s non-compliance, the approval was revoked on October 10, 2024.
Olayinka emphasized that the company never owned the land outright, contrary to the claims being circulated.
He accused social media activists like VeryDarkMan of spreading misinformation without proper investigation.
“Before jumping to conclusions, they should verify the facts from both sides,” Olayinka advised.
He warned against being used as tools to mislead the public for personal or political agendas.