Tinubu Orders Probe of FCT Minister Wike Over Alleged $3.6 Billion Land Grant

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of office by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike . The directive, issued on Thursday night and finalized Friday afternoon, follows media reports accusing Wike of illegally allocating over 2,000 hectares of prime Abuja land, valued at an estimated $3.6 billion, to a company linked to his son, Joaquin .

The company, identified as JOAQ Farms and Estates Ltd, allegedly received the land, some of which is in Maitama, Asokoro, Gaduwa, Guzape, and Bwari, under the guise of agricultural use . Reports further suggest that Wike bypassed civil service regulations, personally issued certificates of occupancy, and circumvented required payments like ground rent and survey fees .

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The probe will be coordinated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) . While presidential aides stated that the president found the reported activities suspicious and aimed to determine if Wike had illegally enriched himself, it remains unclear if anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will be involved .

Wike has denied the allegations, with his media aide describing the initial report as a “blackmail” against the minister . The presidency has not yet publicly confirmed the probe, reportedly to avoid appearing antagonistic towards Wike, who has been recognized for his work on federal projects in the FCT .