Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, of laundering stolen funds to acquire at least three properties in Winter Springs, Florida, all allegedly hidden under the name of his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzette Nyesom-Wike, a serving Court of Appeal judge in Nigeria.
According to Sowore, the properties have been shared among the couple’s children, raising fresh questions about unexplained wealth and possible abuse of office. He suggested that there may be more undiscovered properties, describing the revelations as “progress” in exposing the minister’s alleged kleptocracy.
In a move that could trigger international legal consequences, Sowore revealed that he and his team have already contacted the Office of the Attorney General of Florida, James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier), notifying them that Wike has allegedly laundered proceeds of crime into U.S. real estate.
Sowore noted that under Florida law, such transactions qualify as first-degree felonies, including property trafficking and money laundering, crimes that carry severe penalties under both state and federal statutes.
The activist further argued that the case fits into a broader pattern of how corrupt Nigerian officials use family members and legal loopholes abroad to conceal illicit wealth.
“Nyesom Wike has trafficked stolen funds into Florida’s real estate market. What he thought was hidden has now been traced. There is no hiding place anymore,” Sowore declared.
If confirmed, the allegations could lead to a formal investigation by U.S. authorities, asset seizures under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, and potential charges against those involved.
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