On June 26, 2025, a disturbing report accusing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of corruption and abuse of office emerged sparking widespread confusion and controversy.
The report claimed that Nyesom Wike allocated over 2,000 hectares of Abuja choice land to his son, Joaquin.
Background
This claim was first shared by Peoples Gazette as an exclusive report via their website and in no time it surfaced on thousands of websites, blogs, and social networks.
The post was entitled; “EXCLUSIVE: Wike intensifies mindless looting of Abuja lands, allocates 2,082 hectares worth $3.6 billion to son Joaquin in Maitama, Asokoro, others”.
In the report, Peoples Gazette attached an image of the certificate of occupancy for land allocated to Joaquin across the Federal Capital Territory.
Screenshot from Google
The report claimed that Wike started allocating the lands to Joaquin days after a company named after him was registered in October 2024.
According to the report, the company, Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd, was registered on October 10, 2024. Barely a week later, on October 17, 2024, Mr Wike allocated 350 hectares to the business via file number 155882 and certificate of occupancy number 0000162.
Screenshot from Google
Websites that shared this claim include: Sahara Reporters, among many others.
Social handles include: Mr Common Sense on FB, Nga Okamma TV on FB, Hon. Rilwan on X, Chief Ikukuoma on X, Jack The Builder on X, Gbemisola CFC, etc.
However, let’s not forget that the fact that many people shared an information does not make it true.
Claims of this nature have great consequences. Besides denting Wike’s image, it can put the credibility of the current administration to question. Hence, the need for this fact-check.
Verification
Let’s begin our verification process with Google, the most visited search engine.
We combined the keywords; Wike Land Son, as our search prompt.
Screenshot from Google
We found that Minister Wike had quickly countered the viral claim.
Wike spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and social media, Lere Olayinka on June 27.
Olayinka, while debunking the claim described the publication as the work of “quack journalists” and questioned the credibility of those behind the story.
“In Asokoro and Maitama of today, where can the FCT Minister see 2,082 hectares of land to allocate to anyone?” he asked.
“Only quack journalists will go to town with such a baseless claim.”
Furthermore, Olayinka clarified that the land allocated to the company was located in Bwari Area Council and was approved strictly for agricultural purposes.
“For the avoidance of doubt, JOAQ Farms and Estate Limited, a company duly registered in Nigeria, got land allocation in Bwari for the purpose of farming.
“So, what’s wrong with a farmer getting land allocation strictly for agriculture?” he queried.
Olayinka further noted that while the minister and his family were legally entitled to own land anywhere in Nigeria, including the FCT, no land has been allocated to Wike’s children under his administration.
He challenged the publishers of the report to present any document or official record proving otherwise.
This report was posted on several platforms including: Punch NG, The Guardian NG, Leadership Newspaper, etc.
We made efforts to track the official website of the FCTA Department of Land Administration. We found that these agencies do not operate independent websites, however every agency has a designated sector as part of the FCT Administration website.
Screenshot from Google
Sadly, details of land acquisition or certificate of occupancy were not found on the website.
The website has Facebook and Twitter pages linked to it. However, when clicked, it redirects to the website.
Conclusion
Verdict: Inconclusive
Beside the image shared by Peoples Gazette, there is no other information to back this claim.
Peoples Gazette cited anonymous sources with claims that many were afraid of Wike. This also puts the credibility of the claim to question.
The publisher also claimed that many of the lands allocated by Wike to his son were seized properties from residents.
However, at the time of this report, no resident had come publicly to rant or call out the minister in a public space.
Wike’s swift response to this allegation further complicates matters.
As of the time of this check, there is no counter-report nor further evidence/info from Peoples Gazette.
