Tinubu Orders Investigation into Nyesom Wike Over $3.6 Billion Abuja Land Grant to Son Joaquin

The SGF has been tasked with overseeing the investigation, an official anonymously revealed.

Tinubu Orders Probe into Wike Over Alleged $3.6 Billion Land Allocation to Son

President Bola Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of office by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, following reports that the minister allocated over 2,000 hectares of prime Abuja land—estimated at over $3.6 billion in value—to his son, Joaquin.

According to senior officials at the State House, the President gave the order on Thursday night, with the details of the probe finalised by Friday afternoon. “The president agreed that the minister’s activities, as reported in the media, appeared suspicious and ordered a probe to determine if he had unlawfully enriched himself,” a presidential aide told The Peoples Gazette under the condition of anonymity.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) is expected to coordinate the investigation, although it remains unclear whether anti-graft agencies like the EFCC or ICPC will participate. A spokesperson for SGF George Akume did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Sources say the probe has not been officially announced to avoid the appearance of political antagonism toward Mr Wike, who has received commendation in recent months for progress on FCT infrastructure projects.

However, anti-corruption advocate Lanre Suraju emphasised the need for transparency and thoroughness. “Given the president’s repeated public praise of Mr Wike and the history of leniency in such cases, we must demand a transparent investigation,” he said. “The panel must be public in its process and involve professional investigators, including forensic analysts and CAC registry experts.”

The Gazette had earlier reported that Mr Wike awarded approximately 2,082 hectares of high-value land to a company—Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd—linked to his son. The lands, located in strategic parts of the FCT, could fetch an estimated $3.6 billion if sold.

Following the backlash, the minister issued a statement claiming the land was allocated for agricultural purposes and did not disclose its ownership ties to his son. He argued that there are no legal restrictions against allocating land to family members, a claim that conflicts with Article 5 of the Fifth Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits public officials from using their office for personal gain.

When contacted for comment on whether Mr Wike would cooperate with the investigation, his spokesperson declined to respond.