In the wake of multiple building collapses in Abuja, officials from the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA) have come under fire for allegedly covering up incidents linked to Praco Ltd, a company owned by Anambra-born billionaire Nicholas Ukachukwu. Despite reports of structural failures, FCDA officials have controversially described these incidents as “controlled demolitions.”
Last week, a building in the Guzape district, constructed by Praco Ltd, collapsed. SaharaReporters initially covered the event, highlighting concerns over construction standards and safety. However, FCDA officials later issued a statement asserting that the event was a controlled demolition rather than an accidental collapse, a claim that has been met with skepticism and criticism from eyewitnesses and local sources.
“This person, Nicholas Ukachukwu, whose building collapsed at Guzape, also had one of his houses collapse on Saturday at Prince and Princess Estate,” a source disclosed to SaharaReporters.
On June 29, 2024, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) released a statement, signed by Head of Public Affairs Nkechi Isa, stating that a passerby noticed defects in a building at Plot 458, Guzape District, and alerted the authorities. According to the release, FEMD, along with the Asokoro Divisional Police Command, demolished the property with the developer’s consent. The statement emphasized that there were no casualties.
The FEMD noted the presence of various emergency and safety bodies at the scene, including the FCT Fire Service, NEMA, and FCT Red Cross. Following the incident, the Director of the Department of Development Control, TPL Mukhtar U. Galadima, ordered the sealing of the premises and initiated integrity tests on all buildings under construction by Praco Ltd within plots 454 and 458.
Despite the official narrative, sources revealed that heavy rainfall hindered a rescue operation after another building collapse at Ukachukwu’s Praco Limited Estate in Guzape. These incidents, coupled with previous land acquisition controversies, have intensified scrutiny on Ukachukwu and his company. Allegations suggest that Ukachukwu illegally acquired 111 plots of land in Abuja, a move purportedly facilitated by corrupt FCDA officials.
In response to complaints from original land allottees, the new FCT Minister, Wike, revoked these plots. However, Ukachukwu’s alleged influence continues to impede legal actions and enforcement efforts, exacerbating tensions and safety concerns within the capital.
Sources indicate that the FCT Minister is increasingly frustrated with the complicity of civil servants in these scandals.
