Jordan Ezenwo Nyesom-Wike, a lawyer and son of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied allegations of receiving $2.1 million over an Abuja land deal. He made the denial during cross-examination by counsel to the claimants, Hamza Dantani, before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja. Jordan insisted that his signature on documents presented by the claimants was forged.
The allegations against Jordan arose from a land deal in which he was accused of demanding $2.1 million to facilitate the acquisition of two parcels of land measuring 30 hectares each in Katampe and Guzape districts of Abuja. The claimants, Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, alleged that $2 million of the sum was meant for the FCT minister, while the remaining $100,000 was Jordan's personal facilitation fee. They claimed that the money was paid in cash on September 26, 2025.
Jordan denied knowing the claimants or having any business dealings with them. He also denied knowing an individual identified as Onor Sandy, whom the claimants alleged accompanied him during the transaction. Jordan stated that he was outside Nigeria when the purported payment was made and produced his US passport in court as evidence. The passport was produced after the claimants' counsel obtained an order directing Jordan to write his full name and signature five times each on plain sheets of paper.
The claimants alleged that a joint venture agreement dated October 17, 2025, was entered into by them, Jordan, and two companies, Apostle Associate Limited and Creekstone General Contractor Ltd. Under the alleged agreement, the claimants were to contribute $4.2 million, equivalent to N6.3 billion, while Jordan was expected to provide the land. Jordan has denied the transaction and the alleged payment, challenging the acknowledgment document allegedly bearing his signature.
Jordan's defence challenged the claimants' account of the payment date, maintaining that he was travelling from Abuja to London aboard a British Airways flight around the period in question. He described the allegations as an attempt to blackmail his father and extort money from him. The court has yet to determine whether the alleged payment was made, whether the disputed signature is genuine, or whether Jordan was involved in the purported land transaction.
The case, marked CV/008/2026, has been adjourned to December 1, 2, and 14, 2026, for continuation of trial. Jordan is represented by Ogwu Onoja, SAN, and had earlier adopted his statement on oath, denying the allegations. The claimants' counsel, Hamza Dantani, had applied for an order compelling Jordan to produce his passport, which was granted by Justice Oriji.
The trial's outcome will depend on the court's evaluation of the evidence presented and the credibility of the witnesses. The case has significant implications for Jordan and his father, the FCT Minister. The court's decision will provide clarity on the allegations and determine whether Jordan was involved in the purported land transaction.
Key points
- Jordan Ezenwo Nyesom-Wike denies receiving $2.1 million over an Abuja land deal, alleging that his signature on documents was forged.
- The claimants alleged that Jordan demanded $2.1 million to facilitate the acquisition of two parcels of land in Abuja.
- The case has been adjourned to December 1, 2, and 14, 2026, for continuation of trial.
