The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of Nigeria, Nyesom Wike, has come under fire for allegedly purchasing a $2 million mansion in Florida, USA, in secret and hiding its ownership by registering it in the names of his wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, and their three children, Joaquin, Jazmyne, and Jordan.
President Bola Tinubu appointed former Rivers State Governor Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in August 2023.
The documents, obtained by West Africa Weekly, also reveals that the Minister’s wife who is a Justice is a registered member of the U.S. Democratic Party, a status that places her in violation of Nigeria’s Judicial Code of Conduct, which prohibits judges from partisan political affiliations.
Official U.S. public records state that the Wike family discreetly acquired the land in March 2025.
The home is a two-story mansion situated on a 4,076-square-foot site at 113 Spring Creek Lane, Winter Springs, Florida 32708; it was constructed in 1997. It has two designated parking spots, a garage, and several bedrooms.
The minister purposefully left his name off of the purchase, using the identities of his wife and kids to avoid scrutiny over his asset declaration requirements and enquiries about the source of funding, according to a source familiar with the transaction who spoke to West Africa Weekly on condition of anonymity.
The allegations coincide with growing problems surrounding the controversial minister, who was recently implicated in a massive land-grab scam for $3.6 billion FCT that was purportedly supported by his son Joaquin.
According to the West Africa Weekly article, the minister has no legal way of earning nearly $2 million for such a lavish purchase without using public funds, given his official yearly salary and benefits of about N7.8 million (about $5,000).
The hidden Florida purchase now raises fresh concerns of illicit enrichment and cross-border money laundering, potentially violating Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Recall that in July, the minister was also accused of allocating prime Abuja lands to his family members and friends.
The fct minister had approved 33 land allocations to his family and friends, including his 90-year-old father Joshua Nlemanya Wike, who was given an N400 million block of land in Guzape II, according to records the People’s Gazette reported.
The allocations, which were made on July 16, 2025, also included lands for Wike’s paternal cousin, Believe Wike; nephew, Victor Wike; nephew, Henry Wike; and cousin, Enwusonye Promise Wike. Other beneficiaries included eight family members of James Hunwo, who received individual allocations on the same day.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
