By: Joy Musa
Fresh controversy has erupted around Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following revelations that he allegedly acquired a $2 million mansion in Florida, United States, under the names of his immediate family members. The damning details, uncovered through U.S. public records and published by West Africa Weekly, have sparked widespread public concern and calls for accountability.
According to the report, the property located on Spring Creek Lane in Winter Springs, Florida was purchased in March 2025 and registered under the names of Wike’s wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, and their children: Joaquin, Jazmyne, and Jordan. Critics argue that the move may have been an attempt to conceal ownership and avoid scrutiny under Nigeria’s asset declaration laws.
The controversy deepened with the revelation that Justice Eberechi Wike, a serving judicial officer, is listed as a registered member of the U.S. Democratic Party. Legal experts warn that this affiliation may violate Nigeria’s Judicial Code of Conduct, which prohibits judges from engaging in partisan political activities or affiliations that could compromise their impartiality.
Opposition groups, including the African Action Congress (AAC), have demanded Wike’s immediate removal from office, citing a pattern of alleged corruption, abuse of office, and illicit enrichment. The party claims that the minister’s official earnings cannot justify the acquisition of such a high-value foreign asset, raising concerns about possible money laundering and misuse of public funds.
In addition to the Florida property, Wike has been previously accused of allocating prime Abuja lands to family members and close associates, including his 90-year-old father, Joshua Nlemanya Wike, who reportedly received a plot in Guzape II valued at ₦400 million.
As of press time, neither Wike nor his aides have publicly responded to the latest allegations. Civil society organizations and legal analysts are urging President Bola Tinubu to initiate a full-scale investigation into the minister’s financial dealings and asset portfolio.
The unfolding scandal has reignited debates over transparency, ethics, and the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s public service and judiciary.
