Claim: A Facebook page, Igbo Economic Forum, claims that the US President, Donald Trump, has officially declared the former Rivers State governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, a wanted person. 

Verdict: False. There is no evidence that President Trump issued such a declaration or arrest order.

Full Text

A Facebook page, Igbo Economic Forum, claims the United States (US) President Donald Trump officially declared former Rivers State governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, “one of the most wanted men in the world.”

This declaration, the user claims, follows intelligence reports linking Wike to the killing of Igbos during the Obi-Igbo crisis in Rivers State.

The viral post, which falsely claims to be an official statement from the White House, reads in part, 

“Trump further ordered international security agencies to place Wike under global surveillance, stating that he should be ‘arrested, dead or alive, if he ever sets foot in any European country.’”

As of Nov. 12, 2025, the post had generated over 6,000 comments, 2,700 shares, and 12,000 likes, with many users reacting to the alleged declaration.

Prince Emmanuel commented, “Nah, this one sweet me pass. God is on his throne.”
Light Gds Asiegbu wrote, “Wike go dey sleep with one eye close and the other open very wide, to avoid the story that touches the heart.” 

Hazar Dove said, “If I make enquiries and confirm this news to be true, I will buy Don Julio for myself.”  

Ufomadu Christy queried, “How true is this? Una sure say Trump know say he wrote this? Make una de talk true abeg.” 

Adebaba Spinner added, “The fear of Donald Trump is the beginning of wisdom, whether na lie or na true, I just like the story.” 

Badejoh Moshood Oreoluwa also commented, “If this allegation by the U.S. President on Wike of Rivers State is found to be true, I will buy a bottle of beer for ten people to celebrate the saying ‘what goes around comes around.’”

DUBAWA decided to fact-check this claim because it emerged amid widespread online conversations following Trump’s threat to invade Nigeria over alleged Christian genocide.

Verification

Wike is a seasoned politician in Nigeria, having held key positions in government since 1999, including serving two terms as governor of oil-rich Rivers State in the Niger Delta region. News of any declaration linking him to an international manhunt would have made major headlines across Nigeria. However, we found no reputable media organisation in the United States or Nigeria that reported that Trump had declared Nyesom Wike “one of the most wanted men in the world.”

A review of Wike’s verified X account shows multiple posts, here, here, and here, indicating that he had been actively inspecting and commissioning construction projects in Abuja since October 2025.

Furthermore, a video published by Channels TV on November 19, 2025, showed Wike having a meeting with the newly constituted South-South Development Commission (SSDC).

Although the viral post claimed that the order declaring Wike “most wanted” came from the White House, DUBAWA checked the official X handle of the White House and found no such statement or press release. 

Similarly, a search through Donald Trump’s verified X account revealed no posts or comments referencing Wike or any order for his arrest.

Conclusion

The claim that US President Donald Trump declared Nigeria’s FCT Minister and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, “one of the most wanted men in the world” and ordered his arrest “dead or alive” is false.

There is no evidence from the White House, President Trump’s verified X account, or any reputable media organisation in Nigeria or the US to support the claim. Additionally, Wike has continued to make public appearances in Abuja, as verified through credible news reports and his official social media posts.