Fresh allegations have emerged against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as documents shared by The Peoples Gazette suggest that the minister may have unilaterally allocated high-value plots of land in Abuja to close relatives and associates, flouting due process in the process.
According to a detailed report published by The Peoples Gazette, Wike personally signed off on 33 new Certificates of Occupancy on July 16, 2025, amidst an ongoing federal investigation into land deals within the FCT. The allocations, the report claims, disproportionately benefited individuals from the minister’s home state of Rivers, with many of the beneficiaries being his immediate and extended family members.
Notably, Wike’s 90-year-old father, Joshua Nlemanya Wike, was awarded a 1,042 square metre plot in Guzape II, one of Abuja’s most prized districts, estimated to be worth about ₦400 million, under file number 62783.
The Gazette report further disclosed that on the same day, at least five other members of Wike’s family, including nephews and cousins, also received land allocations in the same area. Among those listed were: Believe Wike (paternal cousin), Victor Wike (nephew), Henry Wike (nephew), and Primise Wike (cousin)
These July allocations came on the heels of earlier land grants allegedly approved by Wike on April 22, 2025, to six of his siblings. The April beneficiaries included; Vincent Ejike Wike – 2,200 sqm (RV62586), Chidi Sam Wike – 2,195 sqm (RV62598), Chituru Wike – 2,158 sqm (RV62599), Christian Ibebulachi Wike – 2,178 sqm (RV62603).
Also, Collins Ngeme Wike – 2,813 sqm (RV62604), Emmanuel Okanwene Wike – 2,716 sqm (RV62605)
All allocations reportedly occurred in Guzape II and were approved through what officials at the FCT Administration (FCTA) described as rushed and irregular bureaucratic sessions. Some town planning officials, as cited by The Peoples Gazette, initially believed the minister’s directive was a joke, until he began personally signing the documents.
Beyond these, the publication also alleged that Wike’s two sons, Jordan and Joaquin Wike, were allotted a staggering 3,822 hectares of land across strategic parts of Abuja, assets conservatively valued at over $6.45 billion. According to the report, Jordan received 1,740 hectares, allegedly including seized land from the Austrian Embassy, while Joaquin was granted 2,082 hectares between October 2024 and May 2025.
One aide to the minister was quoted as saying, “I want my children to be the largest landowners in Abuja,” in an apparent justification of the minister’s actions.
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In the wake of The Peoples Gazette’s July 4 exposé, Wike reportedly convened an emergency meeting with FCTA town planners. Rather than backtrack, sources claim he expressed anger at media scrutiny and proceeded to expand his list of proposed beneficiaries. A total of 38 additional names, including longtime friends and acquaintances from his youth, were handed over for land allocations.
While the Presidency has acknowledged the growing controversy, with Naija News reporting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to investigate the matter, concrete steps are yet to materialize publicly.
Speaking on the development, anti-corruption advocate Patience Okonkwo condemned the alleged abuse of office as “unconscionable,” urging that immediate sanctions be imposed.
However, many observers fear that Wike’s perceived political influence and alleged contributions to President Tinubu’s election campaign might hinder any meaningful accountability, particularly as 2027 approaches.
Meanwhile, when contacted by The Gazette for clarification, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga reportedly redirected inquiries to the minister’s media team.
However, Wike’s camp has so far declined to comment. The minister has previously maintained that his actions do not violate any Nigerian laws, despite widespread criticism from ethics experts and constitutional lawyers.
As the allegations continue to unfold, public pressure is mounting for a transparent investigation and possible legal redress to ensure accountability in the management of the Federal Capital’s land resources.
