PRESS RELEASE :CIVIL SOCIETY COALITION DEMANDS INVESTIGATION OF FCT MINISTER NYESOM WIKE OVER ALLEGED UNDECLARED ASSETS

[Auwal Musa]

PRESS RELEASE :CIVIL SOCIETY COALITION DEMANDS INVESTIGATION OF FCT MINISTER NYESOM WIKE OVER ALLEGED UNDECLARED ASSETS

 

A network of Nigerian civil society organizations working on anti-corruption, transparency, and accountability has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over serious allegations of asset concealment, illicit enrichment, and potential violations of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws.

 

In a joint statement, the network urged key anti-corruption bodies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the National Judicial Council (NJC), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to act swiftly, without regard to political status or affiliations.

 

The statement strongly noted 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 coalition said.

 

The groups emphasized the critical role of the Code of Conduct Bureau in upholding integrity in public service, calling on the CCB to ensure that its processes are shielded from political interference, particularly from politically exposed persons whose asset declarations must be verified and monitored during their tenure, not only at entry or exit.

 

According to the statement, there are credible reports linking the minister and his spouse, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike of the Court of Appeal, to substantial undeclared assets. These include three high-value lakeside properties in Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida, acquired between 2021 and 2023, and allegedly transferred to their children. Further concerns include the use of shell structures, luxury vehicles, and property acquisitions in Abuja allegedly allocated to close family members.

 

The network also referenced long-standing allegations involving the diversion of $300 million earmarked for environmental remediation in Ogoniland, purportedly redirected into private ventures, including a retail chain in Port Harcourt. Additionally, Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT, has accused the minister of unlawful land allocations within Abuja, with investigative reports suggesting that several premium plots were allocated to relatives of the minister.

 

“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 network is calling for:

1. A full audit of Mr. Wike’s asset declarations as governor and minister;
2. A forensic investigation of financial transactions linked to him and his immediate family;
3. Transparent publication of investigative findings, followed by legal action where violations are confirmed.

 

The handling of this case will serve as a litmus test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions and their independence. The network therefore strongly calls on the EFCC, ICPC, CCB, NJC, and FIRS to immediately open coordinated inquiries, publish clear timelines, and communicate investigative 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 network further urges international watchdogs, development partners, and the global transparency community to closely monitor the process. Demonstrating credible accountability in this case will not only reinforce Nigeria’s anti-corruption commitments but also send a strong signal globally that public service in Nigeria is anchored on integrity and equity before the law.

 

Beyond the legal dimensions, this case reflects the behavioural consequences of impunity in governance. When public officials perceive that accountability institutions are hesitant or selective in enforcement, it makes corruption a rational choice. Conversely, consistent and impartial enforcement creates a deterrent effect, shifting norms toward compliance. Anti-corruption is therefore not only a legal obligation but also a behavioural signal: it defines expectations about what is tolerated and what is sanctioned. Nigeria cannot afford a governance environment where political stature shields misconduct.

 

In light of the call for a thorough investigation into allegations against Minister Nyesom Wike and his family, this moment must also be leveraged to build a broad national consensus on tackling corruption among politically exposed persons (PEPs). We therefore recommend:

1. Unified Dialogue: Convening a multi-stakeholder forum, including CSOs, media, political parties, and international partners, to address the implications of these allegations and the broader challenge of corruption among PEPs, while promoting transparency and mutual accountability;
2. Public Awareness: Launching nationwide campaigns to highlight the dangers of corruption, emphasize the importance of truthful asset declarations, and equip citizens with knowledge of their right to demand accountability.

 

By adopting these steps, Nigeria can transform this high-profile case into a strong opportunity for systemic reform, reinforcing the principle of equal application of the law.

 

Anti-corruption must be understood as both a legal and behavioural commitment. Institutions must rise above politics and enforce the law consistently. Nigeria must demonstrate that its laws apply equally to all, regardless of office or influence.

 

Signed:

1. 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative
2. Accountability Lab, Nigeria
3. Abuja School of Social and Political Thought
4. Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
5. African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
6. African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
7. Alliance on Surviving COVID 19 and Beyond (AACAB)
8. Amnesty International Nigeria
9. Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)
10. BudgIT Foundation
11. Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity
12. Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
13. Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
14. Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
15. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
16. Centre LSD
17. Centre for Social Justice
18. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
19. Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR)
20. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
21. Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability
22. Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA)
23. #FixPolitics
24. Global Rights
25. Good Governance Team
26. Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
27. Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
28. Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
29. Lawyers Alert
30. Media Rights Agenda
31. Mothers and Marginalized Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre)
32. Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)
33. Partners West Africa Nigeria
34. Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA)
35. PRAWA International
36. Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative
37. Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)
38. RULAAC - Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
39. Say NO Campaign – Nigeria
40. Social Action
41. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
42. Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC)
43. SPACES FOR CHANGE
44. State of the Union (SOTU)
45. Tax Justice and Governance Platform
46. Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
47. West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)
48. Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
49. Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
50. Yiaga Africa
51. Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)
52. Girl Child Concern (GCC)

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Head of Transparency International (Nigeria)

Amnesty International (Nigeria)Trustee Chairman and standing Representative. 

Chairman, Transition Monitoring Group(TMG)

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