Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against moving forward with plans to seal off embassies and foreign missions in Abuja over unpaid ground rents, stressing that such actions could trigger diplomatic fallout.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, Falana stated that the minister’s proposed action violates international law, particularly the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
“Embassies and missions cannot be invaded because they have not paid ground rent, which is not applicable for all of them,” Falana said, highlighting that diplomatic properties are shielded from such enforcement measures.
The warning follows the FCT Administration’s decision to publish the names of over 9,000 property owners, among them foreign missions, who allegedly owe ground rent, urging them to pay or risk forfeiture.
As part of its drive, the administration began sealing off several properties, including the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after giving defaulters a 14-day grace period starting May 23, 2025.
That deadline expired on Friday, June 6, a public holiday for Eid celebrations, leaving many wondering about the administration’s next steps post-holiday.
Falana warned that international diplomatic norms must be respected, citing both domestic and international legal protections for diplomatic buildings.
“As far as the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations is concerned, the premises of any embassy in Abuja are inviolable by Article 22 of the convention,” he said.
“If we embark on invading the embassy of any country, it’s going to lead to serious diplomatic problems for Nigeria. So, it is not allowed,” he cautioned.
In addition to international treaties, Falana underscored the constitutional implications of sealing properties without due process.
“The minister cannot order that a house be sealed up because the right to a fair hearing is guaranteed by Section 36 of the Constitution and Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights Act.”
“What this implies is that before you can take action against me, you must give me the right to make a representation,” he added.
The senior advocate also pointed out that Nigerian courts have consistently ruled against arbitrary property sealing, noting, “There are about 20 high court, appeal court, and Supreme Court decisions that ruled that the FCT authorities have no right to unilaterally seal up any property within the nation’s capital.”
Falana urged key government officials to intervene immediately to prevent further complications.
“I expect the Minister of Foreign Affairs to have intervened. I also expect the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene,” he said.
He reiterated that legal processes must be followed in resolving ground rent disputes.
“The rule of law must be allowed to operate. Yes, people are owing. Too bad! But if you want to collect your money, you must go to court,” he advised.
“There is a tribunal in Abuja, Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal constituted by five members from the building industry.”
“That is the body that has the final say on demolition and attempts to seal up properties. In other words, anybody who is aggrieved by the threat to seal up a property is advised to go to court. We are operating a democracy,” Falana concluded.
