Jordan Ezenwo Nyesom-Wike, son of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied receiving $2.1 million from a businessman in a disputed Abuja land deal, telling an FCT High Court that his signature on documents linking him to the transaction was forged.
Jordan, a lawyer, further testified that he had no prior acquaintance with individuals the claimants alleged were present during the supposed cash payment.
He made these assertions on Wednesday during cross-examination in a suit filed by Safwan Garba and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited regarding an alleged failed real estate transaction. The suit, marked CV/008/2026, is being heard by Justice Silvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court in Abuja.
The claimants are seeking to recover $2.1 million they allege was paid to Jordan for a proposed property development project in the Katampe and Guzape districts. Jordan has consistently maintained he never received the funds and had no business relationship with the claimants.
During the proceedings, Jordan disputed the authenticity of a contract presented to the court, stating, “I did not receive any money from anybody. I did not sign any document for a land deal. I only found out that my signature was on the land document just like anyone else in this court.”
He also denied knowing a man identified as Onor Sandy, whom the claimants alleged accompanied him during the transaction.
The court had previously ordered Jordan to produce his American passport after he testified that he was outside the country on September 26, 2025—the date the claimants allege the $2.1 million was paid. Jordan produced the document on Wednesday, and the court allowed a photocopy to be retained on file.
According to the claimants, the parties entered into a joint venture in 2025 involving 1.7 hectares in Guzape and 1.5 hectares in Katampe. They allege that under the agreement, the proceeds from the sale of the developed properties were to be shared on a 60-40 basis in favor of the claimants.
Garba alleges that he was pressured into paying $2.1 million in cash at a Gwarimpa residence on September 26, 2025, in the presence of witnesses. The claimants further allege that an acknowledgment form was signed by Jordan, accompanied by his National Identification Number and passport details.
However, after the alleged payment, the claimants contend that Jordan became unreachable and they later discovered he did not possess the land in question. When they demanded a refund, the claimants allege they received no positive response, prompting the lawsuit.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel to the claimants, Ibrahim Waru, confronted Jordan with a transcript of a voice note dated October 17, 2025, which had been admitted as evidence. While Jordan acknowledged that the transcript appeared to discuss money, he maintained he had no physical meeting with Garba on the date in question.
When asked whether he had reported the alleged forgery to the police, Jordan answered in the negative.
The claimants are seeking a full refund of the $2.1 million, with 10 percent interest until final liquidation, in addition to N100 million in damages for psychological distress and the cost of the litigation.
Jordan, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ogwu Onoja, has formally adopted his statement on oath denying all allegations. The defence team has been granted leave to subpoena witnesses. Justice Oriji adjourned the matter to December 1, 2, and 14, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
