The Managing Director/ Project Manager of Praco International Ltd., Dr Chukwudubem Ezekwelu, has accused the Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of demolishing its estate, Praco Housing Estate despite a subsisting court order.
The estate owned by PRACO Ltd and located at Plot 581 No E27 Cadastral Zone, Kugbo, Abuja was demolished on March 27, 2024.
Ezekwelu, who addressed a press conference in Abuja recently, said the estate was demolished despite possessing all the necessary authentic and lawful titles and approvals.
He said the demolition was reportedly carried out by officials from the Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside a large contingent of security personnel comprising the military, police, and the National Security and DSS, NCS, Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
“Heavy equipment, including excavators and bulldozers, was used in the demolition. Praco International Ltd made multiple attempts to prevent the demolition, presenting a substantive court order issued by the FCT High Court 44, Wuse Zone 2, presided over by Hon. Justice Eleojo Enenche on March 22, 2024.
“The order was granted in response to a motion filed by Engr. Success Obioma, PRACO International Ltd, Psal 127 Limited, and Peace Be Still Ltd, sought to restrain the defendants from demolishing or destroying the claimants’ developments on various plots of land.
The FCT officials, in defiance of the court order, proceeded with the demolition’’, he said.
Ezekwelu also expressed his dismay at the actions of the FCDA, stating that it was disheartening to see a government agency trample on the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
He alleged that the company was aware of attempts by a highly placed official in the FCDA, who has interests in Sunrise Estate, to dispossess Praco International Ltd of its legitimate title to the property.
However, efforts to get a reaction from the Development Control officials from FCDA were futile at the time of filing this report.
But in a recent interview, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, disclosed that the land allocated to Praco International Limited was done without approval.
The minister also said there was no minister in the FCT during the period in which the land was allocated to the estate developers.
