President Bola Tinubu has ordered a formal investigation into the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following explosive allegations that he allocated more than 2,000 hectares of Abuja land—estimated to be worth over $3.6 billion—to his son, Joaquin Wike.
The directive was issued late Thursday and finalized on Friday afternoon, sources at the Presidency confirmed. The investigation will be coordinated by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), although it remains unclear whether anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) will participate.
At the center of the scandal is Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd., a company reportedly linked to Joaquin Wike. The company is alleged to have been granted the vast parcel of land under the minister’s authority—a move critics have described as a blatant case of conflict of interest and abuse of power.
In his initial response to the growing public outrage, Wike defended the land allocation, stating it was intended for agricultural purposes and claiming there is no legal barrier preventing him from awarding land to a family member. However, legal experts and constitutional watchdogs have pointed out that Nigeria’s Constitution explicitly prohibits public officials from using their office for private enrichment.
“The action, if verified, violates several principles of public accountability and transparency,” said an official familiar with the preliminary review. “That this land is being linked to a minister’s direct relative raises significant red flags.”
The Presidency has maintained a low profile on the matter to avoid immediate political fallout, especially considering Wike’s central role in supervising federal infrastructure projects in Abuja under Tinubu’s administration. Despite this, the move to open a probe signals that the President may be willing to assert greater control over allegations of corruption within his cabinet.
Wike’s spokesperson has declined to comment on the investigation or on the minister’s preparedness to cooperate with the authorities. Meanwhile, civil society groups have called for a full-scale, transparent inquiry into the matter.
“This is a critical test of President Tinubu’s commitment to accountability,” said anti-corruption advocate Aisha Yusuf. “Nigerians are watching to see whether this administration will continue the pattern of shielding political elites or finally take a firm stand against corruption, no matter who is involved.”
The investigation, expected to last several months, could have far-reaching implications for Wike’s political future and for the credibility of Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda.
