By: Truth Live News International Correspondent
London, United Kingdom – Nigerian rights activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike should he accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sowore alleged that Wike is implicated in extensive money laundering operations including the acquisition of high-value properties in the US state of Florida. He claims that these assets, allegedly held under the names of Wike’s wife Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike, a Nigerian Court of Appeal judge, and their children, are part of a sophisticated laundering scheme involving proceeds of corruption.
“@GovWike Florida mansions hidden under his wife’s and children’s names are textbook examples of laundering proceeds of crime,” Sowore wrote.
Sowore emphasized that Wike’s alleged activities fall within the jurisdiction of the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, a US Department of Justice (DOJ) program targeting foreign officials who exploit public office for personal gain and launder illicit funds through the American financial system.
He urged US authorities including the DOJ’s International Unit (@USDOJ_Intl) to enforce both Florida’s anti money laundering statutes and applicable federal laws, seizing the properties in question and indicting Wike for financial crimes.
“If Nyesom Ezenwo Wike follows Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Nations General Assembly he must be arrested to face Florida’s money laundering charges as well as federal indictments for money laundering and asset trafficking,” Sowore stated.
As of press time neither Wike nor the Nigerian government has issued an official response to these allegations.
Background
The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, launched by the US DOJ in 2010, is aimed at prosecuting corrupt foreign officials and seizing illicit assets that have been funneled into the US. The program has previously targeted high-profile figures from countries including Equatorial Guinea Ukraine and Malaysia.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and founder of Sahara Reporters, is known for his vocal stance against corruption in Nigeria’s political system.
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