“I’m not the owner” – Buhari Denies Ownership of Revoked Abuja Land

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has denied claims circulating in the media about the seizure of a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) allegedly belonging to him.

In a press statement issued by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu on Thursday, December 19, 2024, Buhari distanced himself from the land in question, clarifying that it was allocated in the name of the “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation,” not him personally.

According to Shehu, the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation was established by well-meaning individuals close to the former president to carry out charitable activities.

However, the Foundation encountered a roadblock when the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) presented them with an unusually high bill for the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

This exorbitant cost, which did not align with fees charged to similar organizations, led to complications and ultimately the revocation of the land.

Shehu emphasized that the former president had no direct involvement in the matter, describing the revocation as unsurprising given the circumstances.

The statement also highlighted Buhari’s integrity regarding land allocation during his tenure.

When offered an opportunity to apply for land in Abuja alongside his cabinet members, Buhari declined, stating he already had a plot of land in the FCT. He instead insisted that the land be given to those without any.

Buhari’s spokesperson, Shehu, concluded the statement by urging the public and media to verify facts before drawing conclusions. He condemned the misinformation tarnishing Buhari’s reputation in the public domain.