Wike Denies Owning Florida Property, Says No Law Stops Property Ownership Abroad

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations linking him to ownership of properties in Florida, United States, insisting that there is no law prohibiting public officials from owning property anywhere in the world, while firmly denying that he owns any house in the United States.

Wike made the clarification during his monthly media chat on Monday, where he also responded to claims made by human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, who had accused him of secretly acquiring properties abroad allegedly linked to corruption.

Reacting to the allegation, Wike said ownership of property abroad is not illegal but insisted that the specific claims against him were false.

“There’s no law that says I shouldn’t own a house anywhere. However, I do not have a house there,” he said.

He argued that public officials are often targeted with unverified allegations by individuals presenting themselves as activists.

“When in a position like this, it’s the things you have to pay for. All kinds of names will be given to you. We heard some people… they say they are human rights activists,” he said.

Wike also used the opportunity to defend several urban renewal and land redevelopment decisions in the Federal Capital Territory, insisting that some disputed lands had been left undeveloped for over two decades.

According to him, such delays led to encroachment, informal settlements, and commercial activities that distorted the original master plan of the city.

“The government has given that land for development for the past 20 years… people and miscreants have come over. Shanties have been built,” he said.

He defended ongoing revocation efforts, saying government had no choice but to restore the affected areas to their original development purpose.

“The government has said, no. This is not what it was provided for,” he added.

Wike also criticised what he described as misinformation and political activism based on unverified claims, saying such narratives mislead the public.

He specifically challenged the allegations of a $109 million property in Florida, urging those making the claims to provide evidence.

“Ask him, Sowore… what has happened about this house in Florida? Where is it today?” he said.

The allegations referenced date back to claims made in September 2025, when Sowore alleged that Wike owned properties in Winter Springs, Florida, allegedly registered in the names of his family members and acquired through illicit funds.

Sowore had also said he petitioned the Florida Attorney General seeking investigation and possible asset forfeiture.

The claims, however, remain unverified and have not been confirmed by any Nigerian or United States authority.