A broad coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations has called for immediate investigation into allegations that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, concealed substantial assets and violated the country’s asset declaration laws.
In a joint statement released Wednesday , the network of over 50 groups urged Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies—including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB)—to launch coordinated inquiries into the minister without regard to his political status.
The coalition emphasized that no public official, regardless of rank or influence, should be considered above the law. “Selective enforcement corrodes public trust and undermines the legitimacy of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework,” the statement declared.
According to the coalition, credible reports link Wike and his spouse, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike of the Court of Appeal, to undeclared high-value properties. These allegedly include three lakeside properties in Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida, acquired between 2021 and 2023 and reportedly transferred to their children. The groups also raised concerns about luxury vehicles, property acquisitions in Abuja allegedly allocated to close family members, and the potential use of shell structures to conceal ownership.
The statement referenced additional allegations, including claims that $300 million earmarked for environmental remediation in Ogoniland was diverted into private ventures, including a retail chain in Port Harcourt. Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT, has previously accused Wike of unlawful land allocations within Abuja, with investigative reports suggesting premium plots were allocated to his relatives.
“These allegations, if substantiated, represent not only violations of Nigeria’s anti-corruption statutes but a profound betrayal of public trust,” the coalition stated.
The civil society network is demanding a full audit of Wike’s asset declarations from his time as Rivers State governor through his current role as minister, forensic investigation of financial transactions linked to him and his immediate family, and transparent publication of investigative findings with legal action where violations are confirmed.
The groups described the handling of this case as “a litmus test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions and their independence.” They called on the EFCC, ICPC, CCB, National Judicial Council, and Federal Inland Revenue Service to open coordinated inquiries, publish clear timelines, and communicate procedures transparently to the public. “A failure to act decisively will embolden corrupt practices, while a transparent investigation will restore legitimacy to Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions,” the statement warned.
The coalition also urged international watchdogs, development partners, and the global transparency community to monitor the process closely, noting that demonstrating credible accountability in this case would reinforce Nigeria’s anti-corruption commitments and send a strong signal globally that public service in Nigeria is anchored on integrity and equity before the law.
Beyond the specific case, the coalition called for convening a multi-stakeholder forum to address corruption among politically exposed persons and launching nationwide campaigns to highlight the dangers of corruption and citizens’ right to demand accountability. The groups emphasized that anti-corruption institutions must rise above politics and enforce the law consistently, and that Nigeria must demonstrate its laws apply equally to all, regardless of office or influence.
The statement was signed by over 50 organizations, including BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Yiaga Africa, Amnesty International Nigeria, and the Zero Corruption Coalition, among others.
As of publication, Minister Wike has not responded to these allegations.
