A lawyer representing the claimants in the $2.1 million Abuja land dispute involving Jordan Nyesom-Wike, son of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has challenged the defendant’s denial of the alleged transaction, citing WhatsApp conversations and a payment acknowledgement he says support his clients’ account.

Ibrahim Waru, counsel to businessman Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, made the claims in a rejoinder responding to a statement by Jordan’s lawyer, Dr Ogwu Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The dispute centres on allegations that Jordan collected $2.1 million to facilitate the allocation of two parcels of land in Abuja but failed to secure the properties or refund the money.

Jordan has denied receiving the funds, meeting the claimants or participating in the alleged transaction. He has also maintained that his signature on the disputed documents was forged.

In his rejoinder, Waru said an acknowledgement receipt allegedly signed by Jordan corresponded with the signature on his witness statement on oath and specimens he provided in the witness box during court proceedings.

According to the lawyer, Jordan was asked to sign five times in court, and the signatures were consistent with the one on the disputed receipt.

Waru also relied on WhatsApp conversations which he said came from a telephone number Jordan admitted belonged to him.

He argued that the messages demonstrated familiarity between Jordan and Garba and contained discussions relating to the alleged $2.1 million payment.

“Despite the claim of Jordan Wike denying ever knowing or meeting Safwan Garba GY, the WhatsApp chats, whose number Jordan Wike admitted to be his, not only confirmed the familiarity between the duo but also established discussion and understanding regarding the giving and taking of the sum of $2.1m,” Waru said.

The lawyer maintained that his earlier comments to journalists were based on court records and were intended to address what he described as misleading accounts circulating on social media.

Onoja had accused Waru of misrepresenting the proceedings and making statements capable of damaging his client’s reputation and influencing public opinion.

In a statement reported by TheCable, Onoja insisted that Jordan had denied meeting Garba or any of his agents during his testimony on September 28 and 30, 2026. He also rejected reports suggesting that his client admitted receiving the money.

The underlying suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/008/2026, is before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court in Abuja.

According to reports on the court proceedings, Garba alleged that Jordan proposed a real estate venture involving land in Guzape and Katampe, Abuja. The claimants said they agreed to an arrangement under which Jordan would provide land while Garba would finance construction.

The claimants further alleged that Jordan demanded $2.1 million to facilitate land allocations, comprising $2 million intended for the allocations and $100,000 as a personal facilitation fee.

Jordan has disputed the account and told the court that he was outside Nigeria on the date the claimants alleged the payment was made. His American passport was presented in court following an order requiring him to produce it.

Waru also said the claimants had submitted additional documents to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 13, 2026, in support of a petition concerning the transaction. He alleged that the commission had yet to provide a response.

The allegations remain before the court, and no finding of liability has been established against Jordan in the civil suit.

The court has fixed December 1, 2 and 14, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.