A trove of leaked documents has revealed that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, approved the allocation of several high-value plots of land in Abuja to members of his family and close associates, sparking outrage and renewed calls for accountability.
According to reports by Peoples Gazette, Wike approved at least 33 separate land allocations to relatives and cronies, including his 90-year-old father, Joshua Nlemanya Wike, who was awarded a plot in the upscale Guzape II district valued at N400 million. Other recipients include cousins, nephews, and extended family members, such as Believe Wike, Victor Wike, Henry Wike, and Enwusonye Promise Wike.
Also benefiting from Wike’s approvals were eight relatives of James Hunwo, all of whom received land allocations on the same day — July 16, 2025. This latest round of allocations follows a previous report from April in which six other Wike family members — including brothers and sisters — were awarded plots in the same Guzape II area.
The report provides detailed records of the allocations:
- Vincent Ejike Wike: 2,200 sqm (File No: RV62586)
- Chidi Sam Wike: 2,195 sqm (RV62598)
- Chituru Wike: 2,158 sqm (RV62599)
- Christian Ibebulachi Wike: 2,178 sqm (RV62603)
- Collins Ngeme Wike: 2,813 sqm (RV62604)
- Emmanuel Okanwene Wike: 2,716 sqm (RV62605)
Sources say Wike frequently bypassed statutory procedures, issuing verbal instructions to FCT officers to approve allocations to his relatives without the required payments or documentation. The documents also suggest a pattern of manipulation and abuse of public office in the minister’s handling of land matters.
In total, Wike is reported to have personally allocated over 3,800 hectares of land—estimated to be worth over $6.4 billion—to his two sons, Jordan (25) and Joaquin (23), among others.
Insiders at the FCT ministry describe Wike as becoming increasingly paranoid, resorting to heavy drinking and volatile behavior since the leak of the documents. One official claimed the minister has even lashed out verbally at his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzette Nyesom-Wike, a sitting appellate judge.
Adding to the controversy, a staff member at the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), Mairiga Hassan Shaharu, was recently arrested over suspicions of leaking documents related to Wike’s allocations. However, Shaharu was later released after it was discovered that the detention warrant used was forged. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and a legal team were instrumental in securing his release.
The minister’s growing influence and close ties to President Bola Tinubu have led to concerns about unchecked power. Sources within the presidency claim Wike often boasts about his role in securing Tinubu’s 2023 electoral victory and insists that no court in Nigeria can convict him.
A presidential aide reportedly said:
“Wike believes his political and financial clout is indispensable for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election. The president is now caught between preserving his public image by removing Wike, or retaining him for his ability to fund and mobilize politically.”
Though President Tinubu reportedly ordered a discreet panel to investigate the minister, no formal summons or disciplinary action has followed in the three weeks since.
Legal analysts and civil society groups argue that Wike’s conduct constitutes a clear violation of Nigeria’s constitution. Part I of the Fifth Schedule explicitly prohibits public officials from using their positions to unjustly enrich themselves or their families — a breach that could warrant removal and prosecution.
Meanwhile, anti-corruption groups such as the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) have submitted petitions to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing Wike’s actions as “a reckless abuse of office” and demanding urgent investigations.
Despite mounting evidence, both ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have remained silent, citing the executive nature of the minister’s office and the requirement for presidential approval before any formal investigation can commence.
While Wike maintains that his actions are lawful, observers believe this scandal could have significant implications for the credibility of the Tinubu administration — especially as it faces growing public dissatisfaction amid economic hardship and political tension.
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