Robert Idoko, a Nigerian living in the United Kingdom, has appealed to the Nasarawa State Government for compensation after his property in Karu Local Government Area was demolished by the Greater Karu Development Control Agency (GKDCA).
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Idoko described the October 2024 demolition of his property at Gbegyedna Estate, near City College, as a serious injustice.
The property included a two-bedroom bungalow, a one-bedroom bungalow, and a self-contained unit—all of which were reportedly at advanced stages of completion.
Idoko explained that he had undertaken the project as a way to invest back home and contribute to Nigeria’s development.
“Despite warnings from friends not to invest in Nigeria, I believed it was my duty to do so,” he said.
He maintained that all legal procedures were followed before construction began.
This included opening a building file, submitting building plans, and obtaining a site survey through an official from the Nasarawa Urban Development Board (now GKDCA).
Invoices were issued and paid, with receipts provided, granting him permission to proceed with the project.
According to him, the structures were already painted, tiled, and connected to electricity. Additional payments were made to the Karu Property Development Agency (KADPA), including N180,000 shortly before the demolition.
He said all payments were properly documented.
Despite these efforts, the property was demolished on October 3, 2024, without prior notice to him or his team.
Idoko claimed the same agency that approved the building carried out the demolition, accompanied by security personnel including soldiers, police officers, civil defence operatives, and vigilantes.
He later learned that the land was allegedly under litigation, though no information was shared with him beforehand.
“When I visited the property control board, I was simply told they were acting on instructions,” he said.
Frustrated by the incident, Idoko said he is no longer interested in reclaiming the land or rebuilding.
Instead, he is seeking N100 million in compensation—the amount he claims to have invested in the project.
“All I want now is justice,” he said.