A broad coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations working on anti-corruption, transparency, and accountability has demanded an immediate, impartial investigation into the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over serious allegations of asset concealment, illicit enrichment, and violations of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws.
In a joint statement, the coalition urged 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 groups insisted that no public official should be considered untouchable: “Selective enforcement corrodes public trust and undermines the legitimacy of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework,” the coalition said.
The statement particularly stressed the role of the Code of Conduct Bureau, urging it to ensure that politically exposed persons are not shielded: “Asset declarations must be verified and monitored during their tenure, not only at entry or exit.”
According to the coalition, credible reports link 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, allegedly acquired between 2021 and 2023 and transferred to their children. Other concerns involve shell companies, luxury vehicles, and Abuja properties allocated to close relatives.
The statement also referenced long-standing allegations of diversion of $300 million meant for Ogoni environmental remediation, purportedly channeled into private ventures, including a retail chain in Port Harcourt. It further cited Senator Ireti Kingibe’s claims of unlawful land allocations within Abuja, with investigative reports pointing to premium plots allegedly distributed to the minister’s relatives.
“These allegations, if substantiated, represent not only violations of Nigeria’s anti-corruption statutes but a profound betrayal of public trust,” the coalition declared.
The network called for: ” A full audit of Wike’s asset declarations as governor and minister.
”A forensic probe into financial transactions linked to him and his immediate family;
”Transparent publication of investigative findings and legal action where violations are established”.
The coalition stressed that this case will be a litmus test of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions. It urged the EFCC, ICPC, CCB, NJC, and FIRS to immediately open coordinated inquiries, set public timelines, and ensure transparent communication with citizens.
Failure to act decisively, they warned, will embolden corruption. Conversely, “a transparent investigation will restore legitimacy to Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.”
The coalition further called on international watchdogs, development partners, and global transparency actors to monitor the process closely, stressing that credible accountability in this case would reaffirm Nigeria’s global anti-corruption commitments.
Beyond the legal angle, the statement emphasized the behavioural effect of impunity: “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.”
In addition to demanding Wike’s probe, the coalition urged systemic reforms to address corruption among politically exposed persons (PEPs). It recommended:
Unified Dialogue: Convening a multi-stakeholder forum with CSOs, media, political parties, and international partners to discuss the implications of these allegations and strengthen accountability mechanisms.
Public Awareness: Nationwide campaigns to highlight the dangers of corruption, reinforce the importance of truthful asset declarations, and empower citizens to demand accountability.
The coalition concluded that Nigeria must send a clear signal: “Anti-corruption is not just a legal duty but a behavioural commitment. Institutions must rise above politics and enforce the law consistently. Nigeria must show that its laws apply equally to all, regardless of office or influence.”
CSOs Demand Probe of Wike Over Alleged Undeclared Foreign Mansions, $300m Ogoni Funds Diversion
