A fresh controversy has emerged around a disputed real estate transaction involving Jordan Nyesom-Wike and businessman Safwan Garba, following allegations that $2.1 million was paid in connection with a proposed land and property development deal in Abuja.
Garba and his company, GY Global Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited, have petitioned the EFCC, requesting an investigation into allegations of fraud, obtaining money by false pretences, criminal misappropriation and conversion.
According to a report by TheCable on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the dispute concerns a proposed real estate venture involving land in Katampe and Guzape, two locations within the FCT.
How the Dispute Started
According to court documents cited in media reports, Garba alleged that he entered into a business arrangement with Jordan in 2025 to develop residential properties for sale in Abuja.
Under the proposed joint venture, Jordan was expected to provide land for the project, while Garba would contribute $4.2 million towards construction costs.
The parties allegedly agreed to share the proceeds from the eventual sale of the properties, with 60 per cent going to Garba and 40 per cent to Jordan.
However, Garba claimed that he subsequently paid $2.1 million in cash as part of the arrangement but did not receive the expected land allocation or see the project materialise.
The businessman alleged that the payment was made on October 17, 2025, at a residence in Gwarinpa, Abuja.
The claimants further alleged that Jordan had represented that he could facilitate land allocations in Katampe and Guzape and that the arrangement had the backing of his father, who oversees the FCT administration.
They also alleged that Jordan became difficult to reach after the payment and that efforts to resolve the dispute were unsuccessful.
These claims form part of the allegations before the court and have not been established as facts by a final judicial determination.
EFCC Petition Seeks Investigation
In a petition dated December 11, 2025, the businessman and his company urged the EFCC to investigate Jordan over the disputed transaction.
The petition reportedly requested that the commission interrogate the minister’s son and initiate prosecution if an investigation establishes criminal liability.
The petitioners’ lawyers argued that the dispute involved potential criminal elements beyond the recovery of money through civil proceedings.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, counsel to the claimants, Ibrahim Waru, said the EFCC had acknowledged receipt of the petition but had yet to take action that provided his clients with a meaningful update.
The claimants said they had submitted supporting materials, including correspondence and WhatsApp exchanges, in support of their allegations.
However, a petition requesting an investigation does not amount to a finding of guilt, and the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
Wike’s Son Denies Allegations
Jordan has denied receiving the $2.1 million from Garba in connection with the disputed transaction.
According to earlier reports, he challenged the claimants’ account of the alleged payment and maintained that he was not in Nigeria on the date they said the money was handed over.
He presented his American passport in court in support of his position.
Jordan also disputed the authenticity of the agreement allegedly linking him to the transaction, claiming that his signature on the document was forged.
He further denied knowing one of the individuals said to have witnessed the alleged transaction.
His denials place the central issues of the dispute in contention, including whether the payment occurred as alleged, whether the parties entered into the claimed agreement and whether the documents presented by the claimants are authentic.
The court is expected to determine the disputed issues based on the evidence and applicable law.
Civil Case Continues
The dispute is also the subject of a civil suit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
The case, marked CV/008/2026, was filed by Garba and GY Global Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited against Jordan.
The claimants are seeking recovery of the disputed $2.1 million, alongside damages and other reliefs.
According to reports published on October 20, 2026, the court has fixed December 1, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.
The claimants have also raised concerns about the handling of the case and sought the reassignment of the matter to another judge, citing questions about the appearance of impartiality.
Such a request does not, in itself, establish judicial bias or wrongdoing.
Public Interest and Accountability
The case has drawn attention because it involves the son of the FCT minister and allegations concerning a substantial sum of money in a proposed property transaction within the capital.
The EFCC’s handling of the petition is likely to remain a matter of public interest, particularly as the complainants seek clarity on whether the allegations will be investigated.
At the same time, Jordan’s denials and the ongoing court proceedings underscore the importance of allowing evidence to be examined before conclusions are drawn.
The central questions remain whether the alleged payment was made, whether the transaction was genuine, whether the disputed documents are authentic and whether any criminal offence can be established.
Until those questions are resolved through a credible investigation and the judicial process, the allegations against Jordan remain unproven.
Polity Nigeria will continue to follow developments in the case, including any substantive response from the EFCC and further proceedings before the court.
