A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations (CSOs) has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over allegations of asset concealment, illicit enrichment, and possible violations of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws.
In a statement signed by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and 50 other organisations, the coalition urged key anti-corruption agencies — the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), National Judicial Council (NJC), and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) — to act swiftly and without political bias.
“No public official, regardless of rank or influence, should be above the law. Selective enforcement corrodes public trust and undermines the legitimacy of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework,” the statement read.
The CSOs highlighted the role of the Code of Conduct Bureau in verifying and monitoring asset declarations throughout an official’s tenure, stressing that its processes must be insulated from political interference.
According to the groups, credible reports have linked Wike and his spouse, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike of the Court of Appeal, to undeclared assets, including three high-value lakeside properties in Winter Springs, Florida, acquired between 2021 and 2023 and allegedly transferred to their children. Other allegations include the use of shell companies, luxury vehicles, and property allocations in Abuja allegedly given to family members.
The coalition also referenced long-standing claims of a $300 million diversion from environmental remediation funds meant for Ogoniland, as well as accusations by Senator Ireti Kingibe of unlawful land allocations within Abuja.
“These allegations, if substantiated, represent not only violations of Nigeria’s anti-corruption statutes but also a profound betrayal of public trust,” the statement added.
The CSOs are demanding a full audit of Wike’s asset declarations as governor and minister, a forensic investigation of his family’s financial dealings, and transparent publication of findings, followed by legal action if violations are confirmed.
They stressed that the case would serve as a litmus test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, warning that failure to act decisively would embolden misconduct. “A transparent investigation will restore legitimacy to Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions,” the coalition said.
The groups further urged international watchdogs and development partners to monitor the case, arguing that credible accountability would strengthen Nigeria’s global reputation and reinforce public service integrity.
