22
Sep
Sep
U.S. WARNS CORRUPT NIGERIAN OFFICIALS FACE VISA RESTRICTIONS AMID PETITION AGAINST WIKE
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CapitalTimesNews / 2 months
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- 2 min read
The United States has declared that corrupt Nigerian government officials will face visa restrictions, emphasizing accountability knows no borders. “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 U.S. Mission in Nigeria stated Monday via its official X handle. This warning follows a petition by activist Omoyele Sowore against Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, alleging unlawful acquisition of multimillion-dollar Florida properties. Sowore’s September 22, 2025 petition to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier requests prosecution of Wike for alleged money laundering and asset forfeiture. The petition, signed by lawyer Deji Adeyanju, also urges U.S. sanctions and visa bans on Wike. It claims Wike, with wife Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, secretly bought three Winter Springs luxury homes (valued over $6 million) between 2021-2023, transferred to children Jordan, Joaquin and Jazmyne. Properties include 113 Springcreek Lane ($535,000), 209 Hertherwood Court ($459,157) and 208 Hertherwood Court ($465,000), purchased via cash quitclaim deeds allegedly concealing ownership. The petition cites Florida Money Laundering Act and federal laws, alleging Wike failed to declare assets to Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau. Wike is a prominent minister under President Bola Tinubu. The U.S. reiterates commitment to transparency and rule of law, previously imposing visa bans on Nigerians involved in electoral malpractice and undermining democracy.