Recent social media claims have suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the arrest of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. However, thorough investigations reveal no evidence supporting this assertion.
Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria, played a pivotal role in the 2023 presidential election by supporting Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over his own party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike’s decision was influenced by internal disagreements within the PDP, particularly concerning the party’s leadership and zoning arrangements. He felt that the PDP had deviated from its principles, leading him to back Tinubu.
Following Tinubu’s victory and subsequent inauguration on May 29, 2023, Wike was appointed as the Minister of the FCT. This appointment was widely seen as a reward for his support during the election.
Wike has consistently expressed no regrets about his decision, stating, “I have no regret for supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections.”
In the United States, Donald J. Trump secured a historic victory in the 2024 presidential election, becoming the first president-elect to assume office while being a convicted felon. His campaign focused on economic growth, deregulation, and a strong national defense. Upon returning to the White House, Trump emphasized building upon his previous successes and rejecting extremist policies. Since he entered into office, he has made political decisions including the inflow of immigrants into the United States. He has also done away with the multiple-gender clause, reinstating only two genders.
Recently, rumors have circulated on social media platforms alleging that President Trump ordered the arrest of Nyesom Wike. The claim that President Trump ordered Wike’s arrest emerged on social media platforms, particularly Facebook. One post alleged:
“Trump orders Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to arrest ‘Wike’ on sight in any European country, including France, over alleged crimes committed during the 2023 election.”
These claims suggest that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was directed to apprehend Wike in any European country over alleged crimes committed during the 2023 Nigerian election. However, thorough investigations reveal no credible evidence supporting these assertions. No reputable news outlets or official statements corroborate the claim that President Trump issued such an order. Given the gravity of such a directive, it is improbable that international media would overlook it.
In a related context, Nyesom Wike has recently faced calls for his arrest from Nigerian figures. Prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, in September 2024, urged the Inspector General of Police to arrest Wike over alleged threats to set fire to states governed by the PDP. Clark described Wike’s statements as treasonable and a breach of the constitution.
Similarly, the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) called for Wike’s dismissal and arrest, labeling his remarks as a threat to democracy and an invitation to chaos
These domestic calls for Wike’s arrest are based on his recent statements within Nigeria and are unrelated to any actions or directives from the U.S. government or President Trump.
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