The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has demolished nine uncompleted terrace duplexes at AB Close in Gwarimpa, Abuja, over alleged illegal development on land reportedly allocated to serving ambassadors more than two decades ago.

The affected structures were said to have been built on plots originally designated for diplomatic use and allegedly backed by legal approvals. However, the FHA insisted that the developers failed to provide the required documentation to validate their claims.

Officials of the FHA enforcement task team, who supervised the demolition, advised Nigerians seeking to acquire land or property to follow due process by obtaining legitimate allocations, approvals, and other statutory documents before embarking on any development.

Responding to complaints from one of the affected property owners, Peter Okpanachi, General Manager of Partnerships and Zonal Coordination at the FHA, maintained that the authority would not tolerate violations of its regulations.

"We expect you to present the original letter of allocation so we can verify its authenticity," Okpanachi said.

"You should also provide the building plan approval issued by the Federal Housing Authority authorising the construction, as well as evidence of payment. Those are the essential documents we require."

The latest demolition forms part of a broader crackdown on illegal developments across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In March, Nyesom Wike ordered the demolition of structures allegedly erected illegally on plots allocated to foreign missions within the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension, Abuja.

Wike disclosed that the developer, Kabiru Sahara, had been arrested and would face prosecution after the conclusion of ongoing police investigations.

According to the minister, the disputed land was allocated on March 18, 2008, to 10 foreign embassies for diplomatic residential purposes, while a section was reserved for the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria for the construction of a 132/133kV power station.

He said investigations by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) revealed that an individual had allegedly taken over the land and commenced construction without obtaining the necessary approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), prompting the government's enforcement action.