The organisation is also urging the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and other relevant agencies to investigate the status of Plot 5334 in Cadastral Zone A06, warning that construction on the site could pose risks to drainage infrastructure, public safety and neighbouring properties.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the plot reportedly contains underground stormwater and sewage drainage facilities constructed by Julius Berger between 2012 and 2014 to help address flooding in the area.

The organisation expressed concern that developing the corridor for private residential use could interfere with the drainage system and raise questions about compliance with Abuja’s development plan.

According to Amnesty International, administrative petitions have previously been submitted to the authorities over the proposed development. It also said court proceedings seeking to restrain construction on the plot remain ongoing, while an alternative dispute resolution process before the FCT Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee is reportedly nearing completion.

The organisation added that the FCDA had inspected the site and reportedly confirmed that it was reserved for an infrastructure corridor. It argued that the outstanding legal, administrative and technical questions should be resolved before any action that could cause lasting damage is taken.

Amnesty International said a demolition notice dated October 9, 2026, had reportedly been issued by the Director of Development Control, targeting protective boundary structures along the corridor.

Sanusi warned that proceeding with the demolition before the issues are properly examined could undermine due process and expose nearby properties and essential infrastructure to avoidable risks.

The organisation identified its national office, surrounding residential buildings and nearby national security facilities among the properties that could potentially be affected. It also warned that interference with the drainage system could obstruct stormwater flows, increase flooding risks and create environmental hazards for neighbouring communities.

Sanusi recalled that Amnesty International Nigeria had written to Wike and the FCDA in May 2026, raising concerns about the potential effect of construction on the structural stability of its building and nearby residences, as well as the wider drainage network.

The organisation is now calling for an independent technical assessment to establish the corridor’s drainage capacity, examine the consequences of construction and identify potential risks to public infrastructure and neighbouring properties.

It also wants the authorities to make public the land allocation records, planning approvals, relevant technical assessments and legal justification for permitting private development on land reportedly designated for public infrastructure.

Amnesty International further urged the FCT authorities to respect due process, protect access to justice for all parties and ensure that decisions concerning the site are guided by evidence, applicable laws and the public interest.

The organisation maintained that a temporary suspension would give the authorities time to resolve the outstanding questions without risking irreversible damage to drainage infrastructure, nearby properties or the environment.

It urged Wike and the relevant agencies to act transparently and ensure that public safety and the protection of essential infrastructure are properly considered alongside private development interests.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia