By Olatunbosun Obafemi
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
Presidential sources confirmed that the directive was issued late Thursday and finalized by Friday afternoon. The probe, according to insiders, will be coordinated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), although it remains unclear if anti-graft agencies like the EFCC or ICPC will be involved.
The investigation follows media reports that Wike allocated over 2,000 hectares of prime Abuja land to his son, Joaquin, through a company named Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd. Municipal officials estimate the land could fetch more than $3.6 billion on the open market.
Wike has since defended the allocation, stating it was intended for agricultural use and insisting no law bars him from awarding land to relatives. However, this contradicts Article 5 of the Fifth Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits public officials from using their positions for personal benefit.
A presidential aide, speaking anonymously, said the president found the allegations “suspicious” and ordered a full inquiry. Another source suggested the lack of a public announcement was to avoid appearing confrontational, given Wike’s visible role in federal projects across the capital.
Anti-corruption campaigner Lanre Suraju welcomed the development but urged transparency and independence in the investigation. “The process must involve seasoned investigators and make its findings public to ensure credibility,” he said.
Wike’s spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
