FCT Authorities Seek EFCC’s Support to Combat Land Grabbing Menace

The Department of Development Control under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council has raised concerns over the escalating issue of land grabbing within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), prompting a call for assistance from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The appeal was made during a visit to the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Mukhtar Usman Galadima, the Director of the department, led a delegation of senior officials, highlighting the need for collaboration in addressing the growing menace of land grabbing and unauthorised developments in the region.

Galadima stated, “We are here specifically to seek collaboration because the Commission is tasked with combating economic and financial crimes. Recently, there has been a surge in land grabbing and unapproved developments, indicating a well-coordinated syndicate. We believe that alone, as a department, we cannot effectively combat this issue. Hence, we have approached you, the leading authority in the fight against financial crimes in the country, to collaborate in tackling this ever-increasing criminal activity.”

Responding to the plea, Mr Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, conveyed assurances of the Commission’s commitment to addressing the issue within its mandate. Speaking through Mr Mohammad Hammajoda, the Commission’s Secretary, Olukoyede acknowledged the alarming trend of forgery of land documents and impersonation of original allottees in the FCT.

“The increasing trend of forgery of land documents and impersonation of original allottees is both worrisome and alarming due to its endemic nature in the FCT. We have established a dedicated Property and Land Fraud Unit to address real estate matters, strategically located within the FCDA premises. The efforts of this unit have yielded significant results, yet we remain prepared to extend further assistance in areas falling under our jurisdiction,” assured Olukoyede.

Abdulkarim Chukkol, EFCC’s Director of Operations, emphasised the importance of intelligence-sharing to facilitate decisive action against real estate fraudsters. He assured the delegation of the Commission’s openness to intervention and collaboration to combat the scourge effectively.

The collaboration between the Department of Development Control and the EFCC marks a significant step towards curbing land grabbing and fraudulent real estate activities in the FCT. It underscores the importance of multi-agency cooperation in addressing complex challenges that threaten the integrity of land administration and urban development.

Efforts to combat land grabbing require a concerted approach involving regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and community engagement initiatives. By pooling resources and expertise, the authorities can enhance surveillance, investigate fraudulent activities, and prosecute offenders to deter future violations.

Furthermore, public awareness campaigns and stakeholder consultations are essential to educate citizens about their rights, responsibilities, and legal avenues for resolving land disputes. Empowering communities with knowledge and access to legal remedies can help prevent exploitation by unscrupulous individuals and safeguard the integrity of land tenure systems.

In conclusion, the partnership between the Department of Development Control and the EFCC exemplifies the government’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and rule of law in land administration. By working together, these agencies can uphold the sanctity of property rights, foster sustainable urban development, and protect the interests of residents in the Federal Capital Territory.