Nyesom Wike Allegedly Allocates Abuja Land to 90-Year-Old Father, Cousins, Nephews

By  Tgnews Team

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike is facing fresh allegations of favoritism after reportedly approving land allocations in Abuja to his 90-year-old father, cousins, nephews, and political allies, according to an exclusive report by TJ News Nigeria. The allocations, signed on July 16, 2025, come amid an ongoing probe into earlier controversial grants and have sparked widespread public outrage.

Internal documents obtained by Peoples Gazette reveal that Wike approved 33 new land allocations just two weeks after reports surfaced about land grants to his children. The beneficiaries, many from Wike’s home state of Rivers, include:

1. Joshua Nlemanya Wike (father), 90 years old – 1,042 sqm in Guzape II, valued at ₦400 million
2. Victor Wike – nephew
3. Believe Wike– paternal cousin
4. Henry Wike– nephew
5. Primise Wike – cousin

These follow earlier allocations in April 2025 to six family members, including:

• Vincent Ejike Wike – 2,200 sqm
• Chidi Sam Wike– 2,195 sqm
• Chituru Wike– 2,158 sqm
• Christian Ibebulachi Wike– 2,178 sqm
• Collins Ngeme Wike– 2,813 sqm
• Emmanuel Okanwene Wike– 2,716 sqm

FCTA officials claim the allocations bypassed standard procedures, with no statutory fees paid in several cases. “The minister frequently issued verbal directives to bypass payment requirements,” an insider told *TJ News Nigeria*. Such actions violate the Federal Capital Territory Act and land administration rules, which require rigorous due diligence and payment of statutory charges.

Despite public backlash, a presidential panel set up to investigate the allocations has not summoned Wike three weeks after its announcement. Sources within the Presidency suggest President Bola Tinubu is hesitant to act due to Wike’s political influence. As a former Rivers State governor and key APC defector in 2023, Wike reportedly played a pivotal role in securing votes during the last general election. “He keeps reminding us how much he invested to get the President elected,” a senior aide disclosed, adding that Wike believes no judge would convict him.

Legal experts argue that Wike’s actions breach the Nigerian Constitution’s Fifth Schedule, which prohibits public officials from using their office for personal or familial enrichment. Anti-corruption NGOs, including the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), have petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), labeling the allocations a “reckless abuse of office.” However, the EFCC and ICPC have yet to launch formal investigations, reportedly due to executive constraints.

Wike has denied wrongdoing, falsely claiming media reports accused him of allocating 3,822 hectares to his children in Maitama and Asokoro. Investigative documents clarify that his sons, Jordan and Joaquin Wike, received 3,822 hectares valued at $6.45 million across multiple Abuja districts.

The controversy places President Tinubu in a difficult position. Sacking Wike could improve public perception but risks weakening political support for 2027, while retaining him may fuel perceptions of tolerance for corruption. The total value of the allocated lands is estimated to be in the billions of naira, intensifying calls for accountability.

As of now, Wike remains defiant, and anti-graft agencies have not acted, leaving the public awaiting further developments in this unfolding scandal.

Read Also: Senator Kingibe Accuses FCT Minister Wike of Abusing Office in Land Allocations, Slashing Son’s ₦200M Bill to ₦2M