Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has cautioned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and its Minister, Nyesom Wike, against sealing embassies in Abuja over unpaid ground rent. 

Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Falana stressed that such actions could trigger a diplomatic crisis, noting that embassies are protected under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and cannot be subjected to enforcement actions like property seizures.

The warning comes after FCTA officials, acting on Wike’s directive, began sealing properties over unpaid ground rent. The move sparked public outcry, prompting President Bola Tinubu to intervene. 

Wike has since given a two-week grace period for defaulters to settle their dues.

Falana emphasized that no Nigerian court can authorize the seizure of embassy property, warning that violating diplomatic protocols could severely damage Nigeria’s international standing.