Wike Allegedly Allocates Prime Abuja Lands to 90-Year-Old Father, Relatives, Political Allies

Fresh allegations have emerged against Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of approving land allocations in Abuja to an expanded circle of family members and loyalists, including his nonagenarian father and several extended relatives.

According to an exclusive report obtained by Peoples Gazette, the minister reportedly responded to public backlash over land allocations to his sons by further awarding high-value land plots to dozens of other close associates and relatives. The latest round of allocations allegedly occurred shortly after The Gazette’s second exposé in early July.

A senior official at the FCT Administration (FCTA), who was privy to the development, said Wike called for an urgent meeting with urban planning authorities on July 4, where he presented a fresh list of 38 names—mostly family members and long-time friends—for expedited land approvals.

Initially dismissed as a joke by officials, the directive soon became reality when Wike began signing off on new rights of occupancy just days later. On July 16, documents reportedly show the minister approved 33 land allocations, including one to his 90-year-old father, Joshua Nlemanya Wike, who was granted a 1,042-square-metre plot in Guzape II, valued at approximately ₦400 million.

Other beneficiaries from Wike’s family, according to the documents, include:

Believe Wike (paternal cousin)

Victor Wike (nephew)

Henry Wike (nephew)

Primise Wike (cousin)

All the individuals on the list reportedly hail from Rivers State, Wike’s home state. The list also included eight relatives of a known ally, James Hunwo.

In addition to the July 16 allocations, another set of family members were said to have received similar approvals back in April. These included six individuals identified as Wike’s brothers and sisters: Vincent Ejike Wike, Chidi Sam Wike, Chituru Wike, Christian Ibebulachi Wike, Collins Ngeme Wike, and Emmanuel Okanwene Wike—all allocated sizeable parcels in the same Guzape II area.

Alleged Abuse of Process

According to internal sources cited in Peoples Gazette’s report, the allocations were often processed verbally without the standard procedure of paying statutory fees. “He [Wike] frequently issues verbal approvals to clear names of his family members,” one official said, alleging that such moves bypassed due process entirely.

The same official expressed concerns over the minister’s attitude, describing him as “someone who does not believe in accountability.” Another aide was quoted as saying Wike boasts about his role in securing President Tinubu’s 2023 election victory and claims untouchability: “No judge in 2025 Nigeria would dare convict him,” Wike allegedly said.

The report also suggested that Wike’s political influence within the Tinubu administration may be shielding him from disciplinary action. Though a panel was reportedly set up to investigate the land allocation scandal weeks ago, it has yet to summon the minister.

Despite denying any wrongdoing, Wike has been accused of misrepresenting the scale of the allegations, especially those involving allocations to his sons, which span multiple Abuja districts—not just Maitama and Asokoro as he previously claimed.

Political Calculations and Legal Implications

Some administration insiders are said to be uneasy with the allegations, but also see Wike as politically indispensable due to his financial clout and influence. One senior official at the Villa was quoted in the report to have said that Wike’s deep-pocketed political machinery could prove vital for the ruling party’s 2027 election efforts.

“The president didn’t ask him to do this,” one source said, “but some of that money could end up funding a crucial campaign.”

However, under Nigeria’s Constitution (Fifth Schedule, Part I), any public official found guilty of using office for personal or familial enrichment could face removal and prosecution.

Although the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have been monitoring developments, their ability to act is limited without executive approval.

Civil society groups, including the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), have reportedly submitted petitions demanding a formal investigation into what they describe as a “reckless abuse of office and primitive accumulation of public resources.”

As of press time, neither the Minister nor his official spokesperson had issued any fresh statement on the latest round of allegations.