Abuja Traders Address Governor Wike And Inspector General Of Police Regarding The Demolition Of Market Structures.

Traders in Mpape Old Market, located in the Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have lodged a complaint with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, regarding the ongoing demolition of their market structures by the authorities.

The affected shop owners are expressing their dismay at the continuous demolition activities being carried out by the Bwari area council through the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB). These actions have resulted in significant property damage, loss of life, and the destruction of livelihoods, all without any compensation or alternative arrangements being made for the affected traders.

The traders, represented by their legal counsel, Dr. Sulaiman Usman (SAN) and Life Bencher, have submitted a petition on July 25, 2024, to the IGP and FCT minister. They express their disapproval that the demolition operations have persisted despite a pending application for an interlocutory injunction currently before the High Court of FCT, Bwari Division.

This blatant disregard for the rule of law and the judicial process is concerning. It should be noted that once a dispute has been brought before the court, no party should take advantage of the legal process by altering the status quo of the property or prejudicing the outcome of the lawsuit.

According to our clients, they strongly believe that the defendants in the mentioned lawsuit have instigated the AEPB to carry out the demolitions using the police, led by DPO Mpape, and even the Vigilante group maliciously. The motive behind these demolitions is allegedly an attempt to surreptitiously take over the market, which is the subject matter of the ongoing case.

Usman reminds the IG and minister of the Supreme Court’s precedents emphasizing the importance of respecting the judicial process. It is crucial to allow the court to determine the matter before taking further steps, so as not to undermine the court’s decision.

The demolition activities have not only resulted in loss of lives but have also completely destroyed market stalls and shops, causing significant financial losses for the owners.

Usman argues that even in cases of compulsory acquisition, where the government or its authorized agent takes private property for public use, compensation is provided to the owner.

The petition states: “The demolitions being carried out are neither justified by the circumstances nor in accordance with due process of law. Consequently, the affected community is in a state of desperation and anxiety, with no clear recourse or solution in sight.”