Justice Eberechi Wike, wife of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has been accused of concealing her U.S. citizenship, which is a direct violation of Nigerian constitutional laws and judicial ethics.
The revelation emerged after an exclusive report by an online newspaper showcasing the ongoing Florida homes scandal involving the Wike family.
Documents seen by Newsdesk confirm that Justice Eberechi Wike holds American citizenship but has failed to make this known while serving as a judge in Nigeria.
By not revealing her dual-citizen status, Justice Wike has contravened Section 291 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines judicial qualifications, including strict rules on the issue of dual citizenship.
The Constitution’s Section 28 prohibits judges from pledging allegiance to any foreign country, making dual citizenship a disqualifying factor for judicial office.
Sources within the National Judicial Commission (NJC), who prefer to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter, describe the situation as “a blatant abuse of the laws governing the judiciary.”
One insider stated, “This is a betrayal of public trust and a violation that cannot be ignored. The rule is clear: no judge should have divided loyalty, especially to a foreign state. Justice Eberechi Wike’s continued service compromises the judiciary’s credibility.”
The revelations come on the heels of investigations exposing the Wike family’s multimillion-dollar properties in Florida, held covertly in the names of Justice Eberechi and their children,.The controversy has raised serious questions about asset declaration compliance and foreign entanglements that violate Nigerian laws on public office holders.
Legal experts agree that Justice Eberechi Wike’s failure to declare her citizenship is not a trivial oversight but a serious constitutional violation warranting immediate removal.
“A judge’s paramount duty is to the Nigerian state,” said a senior legal practitioner who also chose to stay anonymous.
“Dual nationality undermines this duty and presents an irreconcilable conflict of interest,” he added.
The NJC, mandated to uphold judicial discipline, is under increasing pressure to act decisively and uphold the constitution by suspending or removing Justice Wike to preserve judicial independence and public confidence.
The question now is whether the NJC and other relevant authorities will enforce the law and uphold Nigeria’s constitution.
Meanwhile, authorities in the United States are intensifying their investigation into the controversial Florida properties linked to the Wike family.
Activist Omoyele Sowore recently petitioned the Florida Attorney General, James Uthmeier, urging prosecution of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for alleged money laundering and to initiate forfeiture proceedings against three multimillion-dollar lakeside homes purchased between 2021 and 2023.
The properties, valued at over $6 million, were reportedly transferred to the names of Wike’s children through quitclaim deeds, raising serious suspicions of asset concealment.
The petition argued that the cash purchases and ownership transfers were deliberate attempts to hide the true owners’ identities and launder illicit funds.
Allegations also claim violations of both Nigerian and U.S. laws, including breaches of the Nigerian Constitution’s asset declaration requirements and Florida’s money laundering statutes.
