The Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity (CCDI), an international non-profit registered in Nigeria and Maryland, United States, has called for urgent scrutiny of the allegations levelled against Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement released on Sunday, CCDI President and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Olufemi Aduwo, stressed that while allegations remain unproven, their gravity cannot be ignored.
“We believe that for democracy to thrive, it requires a citizenry with a certain level of civic intelligence. There are matters we cannot address effectively until we reflect critically upon them; the essence of responsible citizenship is often grasped only through practice, not abstract theorizing,” he said.
“In the past 48 hours, several international civil society organisations and development partners have contacted our office in the United States or reached out to me personally to ascertain the truth regarding serious allegations against Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.”
“While allegations, until proven, remain mere accusations, their gravity cannot be ignored. The swirling claims land allocations to family members, acquisition of property abroad, bribery of electoral officials, threats to life and verbal assault on senior military officers—strike directly at the heart of public trust, social cohesion, and the rule of law. Such matters demand attention at the highest levels and cannot be left to speculation,” Aduwo said.
CCDI, which has held United Nations ECOSOC Consultative Status since 2017, highlighted its extensive engagement in international governance and development forums, including regular participation in World Bank and IMF Boards of Governors Meetings.
Aduwo noted that the organisation has consistently aimed to promote Nigeria’s good image globally, regardless of the political party in power.
The NGO urged relevant authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Department of State Services, the Presidency, and state governors, “to examine these allegations carefully and act with diligence and transparency.”
Aduwo emphasised the principle of public service accountability, stating: “Public officers are trustees of the people’s commonwealth (fideicommissum publicum). In law, a trustee who converts trust property for personal gain is guilty of a breach of trust (fraus erga societatem). Aristotle, in Politics, warned that the decay of civic virtue inevitably destroys democracy; abuse of office and corruption are the rot that erodes the foundations of free government.”
The CCDI President further clarified that the statement is not directed at the messenger, activist Omoyele Sowore, but underscores the broader imperative of governance and accountability.
“The Nigerian people are entitled to transparency, probity, and integrity from those entrusted with public office. A nation that tolerates abuse of office at the highest levels invites ruin,” he said.
In a strategic move to ensure swift attention, the statement was reportedly sent via WhatsApp to senior figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the EFCC Chairman, heads of security agencies, and governors across the country.
Aduwo concluded by highlighting the global scrutiny surrounding the allegations, saying, “Development partners, particularly the United States, are monitoring these allegations closely; records are being maintained, and appropriate responses are awaited.
“Transparency is non-negotiable; it is the bedrock upon which democracy rests. Let this serve as a clarion call: allegations of abuse of office must be addressed promptly, silence condones wrongdoing, and accountability must prevail.”
The CCDI has planned a high-profile session during the upcoming World Bank and IMF Boards of Governors Meetings on October 15, 2025, further emphasising its active role in international discussions on governance and economic growth.
Meanwhile, Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and a former presidential candidate, has petitioned the Office of the Attorney General of Florida, James Uthmeier, accusing Wike of laundering public funds to acquire properties in the U.S.
Sowore revealed that he had formally contacted the Office of the Attorney General of Florida, currently headed by James Uthmeier, to notify authorities about what he described as “first-class felonies” involving the trafficking of illicit wealth into American real estate.
According to Sowore, three properties located in Winter Springs, Florida, were traced directly to Wike.
The activist stated that the assets were deliberately hidden under the name of Wike’s wife, Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, a serving judge at Nigeria’s Court of Appeal.
He further noted that the properties had been distributed among Wike’s children, creating the appearance of legitimate family holdings while masking their alleged illicit origins.
Sowore noted that investigations are ongoing and that there may be additional assets yet to be uncovered.
Sowore, who has long been known for his uncompromising criticism of corruption in the Nigerian government, described the discovery as a stark example of how public officials siphon funds from the nation and move them abroad.
He pointed out that laundering proceeds of crime across international borders violates not only Nigerian anti-corruption laws but also U.S. statutes that classify such offences as felonies punishable by severe legal consequences.
The activist emphasised that this is not the first time Nigerian politicians have been implicated in funnelling stolen money into foreign properties, but he expressed determination to pursue the matter until accountability is achieved.
Sowore himself is no stranger to controversy and legal battles.
As a former presidential candidate and outspoken advocate for democracy and human rights, he has repeatedly faced arrests, charges, and restrictions over his campaigns against bad governance and entrenched corruption in Nigeria.
However, despite these challenges, he has continued to lead investigations and expose what he calls systemic looting by political elites.
According to the human rights activist, “It turns out that ‘international thief’ Nyesom Wike has three different properties in Winter Springs, Florida. All of them were hidden under the name of his wife, Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, who also serves as a Court of Appeal judge in Nigeria, and shared out to his children.
“There may be even more properties, but we are making progress. We have already contacted the Office of the Attorney General of Florida, James Uthmeier 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.”
Sowore accused President Bola Tinubu and Wike of plotting to assassinate him.
Sowore stated this after Wike criticised him publicly during a road construction event in Abuja, saying Sowore was “lucky” to have a tolerant president despite calling Tinubu a “criminal”.
Sowore fired back on social media, calling Wike a “drunkard,” “landgrabber,” and “murderer,” and accusing Wike of laundering money through properties in the United States under his wife’s name.
In response, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, launched a scathing counter attack.
He dismissed Sowore’s claims as “mind games” and accused him of trying to distract the public from his own legal troubles.
