Fresh Ban Order Declared by Wike in Abuja

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has imposed a two-week ban on Pantekas (sellers of used items) in the FCT, effective from January 14, 2025. The decision was made during the first Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Security Council meeting of 2025, which Wike chaired on Monday.

According to reports the Minister also banned scavenging within the Abuja city centre and its envrons, restricting scavengers to dump sites alone.

During the meeting, Wike also disclosed that all those arrested for vandalizing public infrastructure in the nation’s capital would be charged to court for economic sabotage and attempted murder.

“Activities of all Pantekas (sellers of used items) have been banned for two weeks effective from tomorrow.

“Scavenging is banned within the Abuja city centre and its environs. Scavengers are now restricted to dump sites alone.

“All those arrested for vandalizing public infrastructure will be charged to Court for Economic Sabotage and even attempted murder,” Wike said, according to a statement released on Twitter (formerly X) by his media aide, Lere Olayinka.