Wike Denies Allocating Abuja Land to Son, Dares Accusers to Provide Evidence Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has vehemently refuted claims circulating online that he allocated a substantial parcel of land in prime Abuja districts to his son, Joaquin Wike. The allegations, published by an online media outlet, assert that Wike granted over 2,000 hectares of land in Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, and other areas to his son under questionable circumstances.

Minister's Office Dismisses Allegations as False The online report, published on Thursday, June 26, 2025, alleged that the land allocation amounted to approximately 40,000 plots. The report further cited unnamed sources within the Minister's office who purportedly confirmed the allocations, characterizing them as systemic and indicative of illicit self-dealing.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Minister Wike, swiftly responded to the allegations. In a statement, Olayinka dismissed the report as "a tissue of lies" and challenged the publishers to provide concrete evidence to support their claims. "Not even a single plot of land has been allocated to any of the Minister’s children," Olayinka asserted.

Challenging the Source and Scale of the Alleged Allocation Olayinka further questioned the feasibility of the alleged land allocation, stating, "In Asokoro and Maitama of today, where can the FCT minister see 2,082 hectares of land to allocate to anyone?" He suggested that the sheer scale of the alleged allocation in these highly developed areas rendered the report implausible.

Olayinka described the report as "malicious and bitter," reiterating the challenge for the platform to provide any documentation linking land allocation to any of Wike's children. The statement acknowledged that while Wike and his family members are entitled to own land anywhere in Nigeria, including the FCT, provided all legal requirements are met, no such allocation has occurred.

Right of Occupancy Explained The statement addressed a specific document referenced in the report: a Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) issued to JOAQ Farms and Estate Limited. Olayinka clarified that JOAQ Farms and Estate Limited, a registered company in Nigeria, received a land allocation in the Bwari Area Council specifically for agricultural purposes. "So what is wrong with a farmer getting land allocation strictly for the purpose of agriculture?" Olayinka questioned, emphasizing the legitimate and transparent nature of the transaction.

Context: Land Allocation Controversies in Abuja Allegations of improper land allocation have historically plagued the FCT. The rapid development of Abuja has made land a valuable commodity, leading to instances of corruption and abuse of power. "Land administration in Abuja has always been a sensitive issue," notes Dr. Adebayo Oluwole, a professor of Urban Planning at the University of Lagos. "The lack of transparency and accountability in the past has created a fertile ground for such allegations. It is crucial for the FCT administration to maintain a high level of transparency in all land transactions to avoid fueling public suspicion."

This recent denial by Minister Wike echoes similar situations faced by previous FCT ministers. The public scrutiny surrounding land allocations highlights the importance of due process and adherence to regulations. The current administration has emphasized its commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring equitable access to land in the FCT. Whether this specific allegation holds any merit remains to be seen, but it underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and transparency in land management within the nation's capital.

Expert Perspective: The Need for Transparency Barrister Chioma Okeke, a legal expert specializing in property law, emphasized the importance of verifiable evidence in cases like these. "In matters of public interest, especially those involving high-ranking officials, the burden of proof lies heavily on those making the allegations," Okeke stated. "Without concrete evidence, such claims can be damaging and contribute to public distrust. Conversely, the accused must also be willing to subject themselves to scrutiny and provide full transparency regarding their dealings."

The current situation underscores the delicate balance between freedom of the press and responsible journalism. While it is essential to hold public officials accountable, allegations must be substantiated with credible evidence to avoid spreading misinformation and causing undue harm. The public awaits further developments and any potential evidence that may surface to shed light on this matter.