President Bola Tinubu has directed an investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of office by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, following major public outcry.
The probe was ordered late on Thursday, but the details were finalised on Friday afternoon, June 27.
State House insiders confirm the president acted after reviewing media reports and concerns over Wike’s conduct.
A presidential aide told The Peoples Gazette by phone:
“The president agreed that the minister’s activity as reported in the media was suspicious and ordered a probe to determine if he had illegally enriched himself.”
Moreover, the aide noted:
“The SGF’s office would be coordinating the probe, and we encourage anyone who may have seen any wrongdoing in government to always bring such to the attention of the administration.”
However, it remains unclear whether anti-corruption bodies like the EFCC or ICPC will join the investigation.
A spokesman for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The investigation into Wike is unexpected, especially as the minister has earned praise for handling federal projects in Abuja.
Furthermore, the probe risks straining ties between Tinubu and Wike.
Another insider said the probe was announced discreetly to avoid appearing adversarial.
Still, anti-graft activist Lanre Suraju insists the process must be rigorous:
“That is most astonishing, but we need to be careful, going by past experiences of camaraderie and solidarity in public office and the president’s several public praises of Mr Wike,”
“Such panels need to make public their process and involve the services of seasoned investigators from law enforcement agencies in conducting investigations, including forensic and CAC registry analysis.”
The controversy centers on a report by The Peoples Gazette that Wike allocated roughly 2,082 hectares of prime land in the FCT to his son, Joaquin, through Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd. Municipal officials estimate the land could fetch more than \$3.6 billion.
Wike, via his media aide Lere Olayinka, responded that the land was handed to a company for farming.
He did not mention his son’s ownership. He also claimed no law prohibits giving land rights to family members.
This defense, however, seems to conflict with the Constitution’s Fifth Schedule, Article 5, which forbids public officers from using their positions for personal gain.
President Tinubu has tasked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) office to lead the investigation.
Meanwhile, Wike’s spokesman declined to comment when approached Friday afternoon.
Therefore, the probe could take months and may include formal audits, forensic reviews, and possible follow-up by EFCC or ICPC.
