The United States has issued a stern warning to corrupt Nigerian officials, declaring that visa restrictions will be imposed on those found guilty of financial misconduct regardless of their status. This declaration follows explosive allegations against Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, involving the secret acquisition of multimillion-dollar properties in Florida.
In a statement released Monday via its official X account, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria emphasized:
“Fighting corruption knows no borders or limits on accountability. Even when high-profile individuals engage in corruption, they can be barred from receiving U.S. visas.”
The warning came just hours after Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore filed a petition with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, urging prosecution of Wike for alleged money laundering and asset forfeiture. The petition, signed by lawyer Deji Adeyanju, also called for sanctions and visa bans.
Citing a September 1 report by Peoples Gazette and supported by three property deeds, the petition alleges that Wike assisted by his wife, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal purchased three luxury lakeside homes in Winter Springs, Seminole County, between 2021 and 2023. The properties, now worth over $6 million, were reportedly transferred to their children: Jordan (25), Joaquin (23), and Jazmyne (20).
The homes include:
- A 5,000 sq. ft. residence at 113 Springcreek Lane, bought for $535,000 and transferred to Jordan.
- A 3,401 sq. ft. home at 209 Hertherwood Court, acquired for $459,157 and transferred to Joaquin.
- A 3,901 sq. ft. house at 208 Hertherwood Court, purchased for $465,000 and transferred to Jazmyne.
All transactions were allegedly executed in cash via quitclaim deeds—a method often used for intra-family transfers but, according to the petition, deliberately employed to obscure ownership and evade scrutiny.
“These transactions, executed in cash and hidden under the names of his children, form a deliberate scheme to launder the proceeds of corruption into U.S. real estate,” the petition stated.
The document cites violations of multiple statutes, including:
- Florida Money Laundering Act (§896.101)
- Contraband Forfeiture Act (§932.701–707)
- Federal laws on money laundering (18 U.S.C. §1956 and §1957)
Sowore further alleged that Wike’s legitimate income since entering public service in 1999 could not justify such acquisitions, and that the properties were not declared to Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau—violating the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.
The petition also invokes the U.S. Department of Justice’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, urging American authorities to investigate and act.
As of press time, Wike and his office have yet to respond to the allegations.
