The Federal Capital Territory Administration has issued a query to Hassan Mairiga, the staff falsely accused of leaking documents exposing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s land allocation to his sons.  

The query dated July 4, signed by Uzo Udegbunam J., Ag. Director, Administration, was circulated by human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, on social media on Friday.

Mr Mairiga, a Land Resource Officer 1, was accused of “Unauthorized disclosure of official information to unauthorized persons,” breach of the oath of secrecy and undermining the integrity and confidentiality of his office.”

Asked to respond to the false accusations in 24 hours, the query noted that  “Mr Mairiga’s “actions, if proven, amount to serious misconduct and gross violation of your obligations as a public servant which is detrimental to the image of the service.”

Mr Sowore condemned the query issued to Mr Mairiga, describing it as “a clear case of abuse of power and intimidation of civil servants who dare to expose the rot in the system.”

“Rather than investigate the corruption, the FCDA is persecuting the whistleblower,” Mr Sowore said.

Falsely accused, arrested and detained in police custody for eight days on claims that he leaked documents exposing Mr Wike’s land grabbing scandal exclusively reported by Peoples Gazette, Mr Mairiga was released after the intervention of Mr Sowore on Friday.

In two exclusive stories, The Gazette exposed how Mr Wike allocated hectares of land to his sons, Jordan and Joaquin.

At least 3,822 hectares, potentially worth $6.45 billion, were allocated by Mr Wike to his two sons, Jordan, 25, and Joaquin, 23, over the past year, The Gazette reported on June 26 and July 1, using land administration documents from the minister’s office.