By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate an alleged $2.1 million land transaction involving Jordan Wike, son of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

The demand followed an order by an FCT High Court sitting in Maitama directing Jordan to produce his American international passport after he told the court during cross-examination that he was outside Nigeria on September 26, 2025, the date the claimants alleged the disputed payment was made.

The order was issued by Justice Sylvanus Oriji during the resumed hearing of Suit No. CV/008/2026, filed by Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd.

HURIWA said the allegations should not be treated solely as a private civil dispute because the claimants allegedly asserted that $2 million of the $2.1 million payment was intended for the FCT Minister, while the remaining $100,000 was allegedly meant for Jordan.

“The allegations now before an FCT High Court are too weighty to be treated merely as a private civil dispute,” HURIWA said, asking the EFCC and ICPC why neither agency was investigating the matter.

The association said the claimants alleged that Jordan promised to facilitate the acquisition of 60 hectares of land in Katampe and Guzape, Abuja, and subsequently demanded $2.1 million as facilitation fees.

According to HURIWA, the claimants further alleged that the money was delivered on September 26, 2025, in the presence of Adamu Sani, Aliyu Sarki and Sai Wani, but that the proposed land acquisition did not materialise and the money was not refunded.

Jordan has denied the allegations in his statement on oath before the court.

During cross-examination by the claimants’ counsel, Hamza Dantani, Jordan also denied knowledge of the allegations and documents presented to him.

When asked about his whereabouts on September 26, 2025, Jordan told the court that he was outside Nigeria and had travelled with his American passport. He indicated that he could produce the document if required.

Following the response, Dantani applied for an order compelling Jordan to produce the passport.

Justice Oriji granted the application and directed him to bring the document to court.

HURIWA said the court order reinforced the need for relevant anti-corruption agencies to independently examine the allegations rather than wait for the conclusion of the civil proceedings.

“HURIWA stresses that it is not pronouncing anyone guilty. The allegations remain allegations, and the court will determine the claims before it,” the organisation said.

It nevertheless argued that allegations involving large sums of money and potentially involving public officials warranted scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies.

HURIWA therefore challenged the EFCC and ICPC to establish the source and movement of the alleged $2.1 million, identify its alleged beneficiaries and determine the purpose of the payment.

The association also wants the agencies to establish whether any public official was involved and whether the allegations disclose any criminal offence.

“HURIWA asks the EFCC and ICPC to tell Nigerians plainly: Are they investigating this matter or not?” it said, adding that if they were not, the agencies should explain their apparent lack of interest.

The association said Nigeria could not build public confidence in its anti-corruption framework if allegations involving politically exposed persons were ignored or left entirely to private litigants to pursue through civil proceedings.

It nevertheless cautioned against prejudging the matter, insisting that while nobody should be treated as a “sacred cow”, nobody should equally be declared guilty before a fair investigation and due process.

Jordan was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ogwu Onoja, while some documents were tendered through him.

The court adjourned the matter until Wednesday, September 30, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

HURIWA urged the EFCC and ICPC to conduct any investigation professionally and independently and without fear or favour.