Wike’s Aide Fires Back After Allegations Of $3 Billion Abuja Land Gift To Son
Abuja | June 27, 2025
A Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has categorically dismissed claims that the FCT Minister illegally transferred 2,082 hectares of land—valued at an estimated US $3 billion—to his son in Abuja’s prized Maitama and Asokoro districts.
In a statement released on Thursday, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, described the scandalous report as “another falsehood from the vault of those whose main job is to malign the FCT minister,” emphasising that “not even a single plot of land has been allocated to any of the Minister’s children”
The controversy was sparked by an investigation published by the Peoples Gazette, alleging that since taking office in August 2023, Wike issued Certificates of Occupancy for 2,082 hectares across Abuja—including Maitama, Asokoro, Gaduwa, Guzape, and Bwari—to JOAQ Farms and Estate Ltd, a company reportedly linked to his son, Joaquin Wike. The report further accused the minister of bypassing federal civil service procedures and evading critical fees such as ground rent and survey charges
In his rebuttal, Olayinka categorically rejected the narrative, calling it “malicious” and “blackmail.” He challenged the credibility of the report and demanded the evidence underpinning such monumental claims .
He went further to clarify that the only Right of Occupancy associated with JOAQ Farms was for agricultural purposes in Bwari Area Council—not urban districts—and the land was not in any way connected to the minister’s children
“In Asokoro and Maitama of today, where can the FCT Minister see 2,082 hectares of land to allocate to anyone?” Olayinka said, lamenting the absurdity of the claim
Olayinka underscored that Wike’s administration is committed to fairness and compliance with all regulatory requirements. He stated that any legitimate land allocation to private entities—including agriculture—adheres strictly to federal rules. In this case, the allocation to JOAQ Farms was properly processed for farming in Bwari, not residential or commercial use in prime districts
The development comes amid broader calls for transparency in Abuja’s land administration. With land allocations by high-ranking officials already under public scrutiny, observers warn that even unsubstantiated allegations can severely damage public trust in the FCT Administration.
The aide’s firm denial and challenge to publicize supporting documents may force the original publishers to substantiate their claims—or risk further erosion of credibility. Meanwhile, some analysts suggest the incident could escalate into legal action if evidence cannot be produced, further politicizing Wike’s tenure amid heightened attention to land policies in the FCT.
For now, the onus lies on the Peoples Gazette and others to back their allegations with verifiable data. Wike’s camp has firmly invited scrutiny, asserting confidence that due process has been upheld in every case.
This unfolding exchange invites Nigerians to demand higher standards of proof in public reporting while shedding light on the need for transparency in land deals at the federal level
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