A dramatic confrontation unfolded in Abuja on Tuesday as Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, clashed with a Nigerian Navy officer identified as Ahmed Yerima, over alleged land grabbing at Gaduwa District
In a viral video, Wike accused the officer of illegally taking possession of a parcel of land said to be linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff. The visibly angry minister questioned why the military was laying claim to the property, saying such actions undermine government authority.
“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike said, confronting the officer at the site.
Yerima, dressed in full military uniform, interrupted the minister and defended his position, insisting that the land acquisition was legitimate. “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he said.
The exchange quickly escalated as Wike, visibly irritated, ordered the officer to remain silent. Yerima refused to back down, responding, “I will not shut up.”
An enraged Wike retorted, “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”
The officer maintained that his presence on the site was based on official deployment orders and not personal interest. Wike, however, threatened to take decisive action. “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see,” the minister warned.
As of press time, neither the Nigerian military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued a statement regarding the altercation.
Land disputes and illegal allocations have long been a recurring issue in Abuja. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has intensified a citywide campaign against unauthorised land acquisitions, demolitions of illegal structures, and encroachments on government areas — efforts he says are aimed at restoring the Abuja Master Plan
