JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Nigerian senior lawyer (SAN) and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, have warned the Minister of Federal Capital Region (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against the process with plans to seal 34 of the Embassy and foreign missions in Abuja at unpaid land prices.
According to him, such actions can trigger a diplomatic crisis between Nigeria and the countries involved.
Speaking during interviews on television politics channels today on Monday night, Falana stressed that diplomatic property is protected based on international law and cannot be attacked arbitrarily or closed due to civil debt.
The warning followed the FCT administrative publication of more than 9,000 names, including the embassy, in the national daily on May 23, 2025, accused them of failing to pay on land rental payments from four decades. In response, FCTA announced plans to take back more than 5,000 properties and had begun to seal several, including the Democratic Party National Secretariat (PDP).
However, the President of the Tinubu Soccer intervened, giving a grace period of 14 days for all default to complete their debts. The window ended on Friday, June 6, a public holiday due to the celebration of Eid al -Fitr, making many Nigerians speculate about the next steps that might be taken after Sallah’s rest.
Falana, however, warned the legal and diplomatic consequences. “Under article 22 of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, where the foreign embassy cannot be contested. Any invasion will not only violate international law but also provoke a diplomatic crisis for Nigeria,” he said.
He further stressed that the legal process must be followed, quoting no less than 20 court decisions, from the High Court to the Supreme Court, which confirmed the lack of FCT forces to seal property unilaterally without a court order.
“Minister of FCT cannot seal any property without respecting the right to a fair session as guaranteed by part 36 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 7 of the African Charter regarding human and people’s rights,” Falana added.
He urged the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Attorney General Federation to intervene, noteing that the Urban and Regional Planning Court FCT was the right legal entity to prosecute such problems.
“Yes, people are in debt but we are in democracy. If the government wants to recover public funds, it must follow the law,” he said.
