HEDA Demands Probe of FCT Minister Wike Over Alleged Illegal Land Allocations to Sons

HEDA Demands Probe of FCT Minister Wike Over Alleged Illegal Land Allocations to Sons

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), calling for an immediate investigation into what it describes as a “reckless abuse of office” by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

In the petition signed by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA cited a recent investigative report which alleged that the FCT Minister illegally allocated prime Abuja lands worth billions of naira to his two sons, Joaquin and Jordan Wike, using a company named JOAQ Farms and Estates Ltd. The group argued that the act contravenes the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

“HEDA has called on the ICPC to review all land allocations signed by Minister Wike since assumption of office in 2023; recover the plots corruptly allocated to Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd; investigate the involvement of Hon. Kingsley Chinda, a known associate and alleged front of Wike; request President Bola Tinubu to interdict Minister Wike to allow for impartial investigation; and prosecute all individuals found culpable in accordance with the law,” the petition stated.

The group described the land allocations as a “primitive diversion and accumulation of public assets,” alleging that they reflect a broader trend of politically motivated land grabs in the Federal Capital Territory.

HEDA also referenced a landmark victory in a 2022 Freedom of Information lawsuit (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1517/2020) against the FCT administration, which compelled the release of data on land allocations. It accused Wike of ignoring the court judgment and maintaining a culture of secrecy around public land records.

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Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and anti-corruption, the organization called for a swift, impartial investigation by the ICPC.

“Our petition is part of our sustained campaign to ensure public office holders are held accountable and public assets protected,” the statement said.

The allegations have intensified public scrutiny of Wike’s conduct as FCT Minister, raising further concerns about transparency and accountability in land administration within Nigeria’s capital.