Fact Check: Wike Did Not Collapse or Fly to France for Urgent Medical Attention

A viral report claiming that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, collapsed during a meeting on Friday and was flown to France for medical attention has been debunked as false.

The report, which spread widely on the internet, alleged that Wike’s collapse was due to excessive alcohol consumption, leading to a partial stroke. However, an investigation by National Insight has confirmed that there is no truth to these claims.

Checks revealed that Wike was actively engaged in official duties on the said day. The former governor of Rivers State was seen inspecting various projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)  on Friday.

His spokesperson, Mr. Lere Olayinka, dismissed the claims as baseless, stating, “There is no need to respond to unfounded rumours.”

Wike was present at multiple project sites, including the 15-kilometer left-hand service carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction and the 16-kilometer Inner Northern Expressway (INEX) from Ring Road III to the Idu Industrial area, connecting the Kubwa/Zuba expressway. He also visited the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal office complex in Dakibiu, Jabi District, and its access road from the Obafemi Awolowo Way, which is expected to be completed by September.

Additionally, on the same day, Wike received an Award of Recognition from the Body of Benchers in Abuja. During the presentation, he stated, “Happy to have been honoured with an Award of Recognition by the Body of Benchers, during their courtesy visit to my office today.”

He further noted, “Members of the Body of Benchers were led by the Chairman, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN). As a lawyer, I will not relent in contributing my quota to the advancement of the legal profession.”

The evidence confirms that Wike neither collapsed nor was flown to France, making the viral report entirely false.