...Accuses Wike of Using Stolen Public Funds to Buy Multi-Billion Naira U.S. Properties
Nigerian human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, has petitioned the Office of the Attorney General of Florida, accusing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, of embezzling public funds and laundering them into multi-billion naira properties in the United States.
Sowore said he had formally written to Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, notifying authorities of what he described as “first-class felonies” involving the trafficking of illicit wealth into the American real estate market. According to him, at least three properties in Winter Springs, Florida, were traced directly to Wike but were registered under the name of his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, a serving Justice of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal. He further alleged that some of the assets had been distributed among Wike’s children to create the appearance of legitimate family holdings.
“There may be even more properties, but we are making progress,” Sowore said. “We have already contacted the Office of the Attorney General of Florida to notify them that Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – CON, GSSRS – has laundered stolen funds (proceeds of crime) to purchase and traffic properties in their state, which are first-class felonies.”
The activist noted that investigations into the matter were ongoing and hinted that additional assets could soon be uncovered. He stressed that laundering illicit proceeds across borders violates both Nigerian laws and U.S. anti-corruption statutes, which carry severe legal penalties.
This latest move escalates Sowore’s long-running feud with Wike, a former Rivers State governor. Sowore has repeatedly accused Wike of corruption and abuse of power, while Wike has consistently dismissed such claims as baseless attacks. Recently, Wike admitted to travelling abroad for what he described as his first holiday since becoming FCT minister, dismissing rumours of hospitalisation and criticising Sowore for “constantly attacking President Bola Tinubu.” Wike also warned that under a less tolerant president, Sowore’s criticisms could have “dire consequences.”
Responding to the minister’s remarks, Sowore fired back, insisting that Wike should be facing criminal charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague rather than holding public office.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate known for his campaigns against corruption and bad governance, has faced repeated arrests and restrictions in Nigeria but maintains he will continue to expose what he calls the “systemic looting” of the country’s resources by political elites.
As of press time, Wike has not publicly responded to the allegations, but the petition to Florida authorities introduces a fresh layer of international scrutiny around his financial dealings.
