By Nonye Okojie,
The confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, identified as Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, over a disputed land in Abuja has become a major national talking point.
The altercation occurred on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja.
The land in question was allegedly allocated to a company in 2007 for “Parks and Recreation. “The FCT Administration later declined a request to change its use to residential or commercial. Despite this, the land was reportedly partitioned and sold illegally, with one portion linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd.).
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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who is leading an intensified crackdown on illegal structures and land grabbing in Abuja, visited the site with FCTA officials and security personnel to enforce a stop-work order. FCTA officials reported they had been previously chased away by armed soldiers.
Wike and his entourage were blocked from accessing the fenced property by uniformed naval personnel, led by Navy Lieutenant A.M. Yerima. The officer insisted they were acting on “orders from above” and that his principal possessed the relevant documents.
The confrontation escalated into a heated verbal argument, captured on video.
The Minister demanded to see the legal documents, insisting that no one, regardless of rank, is above the law and that the use of armed personnel to guard private land was an act of impunity. He reportedly shouted: “Will you keep quiet? You are a big fool!”
Lt. Yerima refused to back down, maintaining his composure and responding firmly: “I am not a fool, sir, and you have no right to call me one… I am acting on instructions, and I am a commissioned officer, I have integrity.”
That statement alone that came from the officer “ I have integrity” was rhetorical and could Mr. Wike say same.
Wike later stated that he had already engaged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff to amicably resolve the issue, vowing that lawlessness would not be tolerated.
Key Reactions and Arguments
The incident has triggered a sharp division in national opinion:
Was Wike Right or Wrong?
- On the Land Matter
Wike’s Aide and Hon. Sebastine, SAN:
The land’s use was illegal, and the officer’s action of obstructing the FCT Minister—who exercises the powers of the President over FCT land—was a breach of the Constitution and military law. The use of military personnel to guard private land is illegal.
- On Conduct
Coalition of Military Veterans, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd), Mohammed Badaru, and Peter Obi:
Peter Obi said Wike’s use of abusive language on a uniformed officer was “unbecoming” of a public official. The altercation is an “unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder” and shows how in Nigeria, personality often eclipses established process, highlighting the unclear boundaries between civilian and military authority.
Buratai described the minister’s conduct as a “verbal assault” and a “threat to national security” that undermines military discipline and the chain of command.
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru states that the ministry is investigating the matter and assured the public that the Armed Forces will protect any officer on lawful duty. “No officer or soldier on lawful duty’ll be punished ”
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body of the South-South region, stated that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, deserves a national apology.
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has dismissed any justification for disciplining Lieutenant A. Yerima, the naval officer involved in Tuesday’s confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing the encounter as “unnecessary and avoidable.”
