Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike recounted his decision to revoke Julius Berger’s Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for land in Abuja’s Katampe District, later allocated for a housing project for judges. Wike shared this at the flag-off ceremony for constructing 40 judges’ quarters, attended by Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Court of Appeal President Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, and other dignitaries.

Following the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) recent project approval, 70% of funding has already been released. Of the 40 units, 20 will go to FCT High Court judges, with the remaining units divided between the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. Wike highlighted that secure post-retirement housing for judges helps shield them from undue influence.

Describing the land acquisition, Wike explained that he had come across an undeveloped plot marked for Julius Berger during his search for land. After discovering the land had been unused for 15 to 20 years, he revoked the C of O on public interest grounds.