Exclusive: FCTA Exposes Land Racketeering Involving Real Estate Firms in Katampe
FCTA Indicts Rychado Homes and Homadil Realty Over Alleged Katampe Land Fraud
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially indicted two real estate firms, Rychado Homes and Homadil Realty, over their alleged involvement in a sophisticated land fraud and racketeering scheme within the Katampe Extension district of Abuja. The indictment follows a detailed investigation into the unauthorized sale and development of plots using forged titles and questionable allocations.
The Mechanics of the Alleged Fraud
According to official findings by the FCTA, the developers allegedly encroached upon lands that were either already allocated to other entities or designated for public infrastructure. The investigation revealed that the firms reportedly marketed these properties to unsuspecting investors by presenting falsified documents and circumventing the standard verification processes required by the Department of Land Administration.
The FCTA’s Department of Development Control noted that the developers proceeded with construction activities without valid building plan approvals, a move described as a direct violation of the FCT’s Master Plan and land use regulations.
FCTA’s Stance on Land Racketeering
The FCT Administration, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, has intensified its crackdown on land speculators and developers operating outside the legal framework. High ranking officials within the FCTA clarified that the indictment serves as a formal warning that the administration will not tolerate the "lawlessness" that has characterized some sectors of the Abuja property market.
Key actions being taken by the FCTA include:
Blacklisting of Entities: Both Rychado Homes and Homadil Realty face potential blacklisting from future land applications within the FCT.
Referral to Law Enforcement: The FCTA is collaborating with anti-graft agencies to investigate the financial trails associated with these transactions.
Demolition Warning: Structures erected on the disputed plots are subject to removal to restore the integrity of the Katampe Master Plan.
Protecting Real Estate Investors
This indictment highlights the growing risks in the Abuja real estate sector, where "land grabbing" and the sale of unallocated plots have become increasingly prevalent. The FCTA has urged the public to exercise extreme caution and perform rigorous due diligence at the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) before committing funds to any developer.
Experts note that this move by the FCTA is a necessary intervention to stabilize the market and protect the interests of genuine investors. The administration reiterated that no amount of construction progress would validate a property built on a foundation of fraud or illegal occupancy.
The indictment of Rychado Homes and Homadil Realty marks a significant escalation in the FCTA’s campaign to sanitize the land administration system in Abuja. By naming and shaming entities involved in alleged racketeering, the administration aims to deter similar practices and restore order to the Katampe Extension. Moving forward, the FCTA is expected to implement stricter oversight mechanisms to ensure that all developers comply with the statutory requirements for land acquisition and development in the nation’s capital.
