A UK-based Nigerian, Mr Robert Idoko, has appealed to Nasarawa Government to compensate him following the demolition of his property by the Greater Karu Development Control Agency (GKDCA).
Idoko made the appeal during a press briefing with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, after touring the demolished property located at Gbegyedna Estate, City College area, in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The demolition reportedly took place in October 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the property comprised several residential structures, including a two-bedroom bungalow, a one-bedroom bungalow, and a self-contained bungalow.
Idoko, a native of Benue, expressed dismay over the incident and described it as a grave injustice.
He explained that he had embarked on the construction project as a way to contribute to national development by investing back home.
“I am currently based in the UK, where I have lived for several years, working hard and preparing to return home to invest in Nigeria.
“Many of my friends discouraged me from investing in Nigeria, but I insisted that this is our home and that we must do our part”.
He narrated that all due processes were followed before the commencement of the project.
This included opening a building file, submitting three copies of the building plan, and providing a survey plan.
According to him, an official from the Nasarawa Urban Development Board (NUDB), now GKDCA, was paid to conduct the survey.
He added that a billing invoice was issued and promptly paid, with receipts provided. Based on this, he was authorised to proceed with construction.
“Some parts of the building had already been completed. They were tiled, painted, and connected to electricity. We also ensured all required payments were made to the Karu Property Development Agency (KADPA), which operates under NUDB.
“We submitted our site development proposal, paid for the site survey, and fulfilled all requirements. The process took time, but everything was done legally and transparently”.
Idoko disclosed that he was later asked to pay an additional N180,000, which he did, and received a receipt from KADPA.
However, on the morning of October 3, 2024, the property was demolished.
He alleged that the same agency that approved the construction carried out the demolition, accompanied by armed security operatives, including soldiers, policemen, civil defence officers, and vigilantes.
He said no prior notice was given to him, the project supervisor Mr Akor Julius, or the site manager Mr Idoko Sylvester before the demolition took place.
Idoko stated that he later learned the land was under litigation, with a certain bishop claiming ownership.
He alleged that the bishop had informed the Deputy Governor of the state about the building, which allegedly led to the demolition order, carried out without any court directive.
“When I visited the state property control board, I was told they were only acting on instructions,” he said.
He further claimed that a woman named Blessing Nwodoo was allegedly working on behalf of the bishop and influencing the demolition process behind the scenes.
While expressing his frustration, Idoko said he is no longer interested in reclaiming the land or rebuilding the structure.
Instead, he is demanding a compensation of N100 million, which he said had already been spent on the project prior to its destruction.
“All I want now is justice,” he said. (NAN)
