A recent clash in Abuja between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, A.M. Yerima, has stirred national debate over how power and law are exercised in Nigeria. The incident took place at Plot 1946 in the Gaduwa District and involved a land dispute allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The Minister visited the site with senior FCT officials and armed security agents from the DSS and police to stop what he called an illegal construction. But the visit quickly turned into a heated face-off with naval personnel stationed at the property. A video of the confrontation shows Wike demanding answers and insisting no one is above the law.
Reacting to the incident via X, legal expert and activist Dele Farotimi said the situation exposed deeper issues of disorder in the country. He pointed out that Wike arrived with an armed team to demolish a private property without clear legal steps being followed. Meanwhile, the property owner, a retired admiral, also sent armed military men to stop the action, leading to the standoff.
Farotimi noted that Officer Yerima, who found himself caught between the two powerful sides, may have been the only person acting out of duty rather than personal interest.
Here’s a screenshot of his post.
He argued that this kind of conflict, involving armed agents on both sides, would rarely happen in a country where institutions work properly and laws are respected by all.
In his words, “The Minister went with a team comprising of armed DSS and police officers to demolish a private property, the owner, a retired Admiral deployed his armed men to prevent the Minister from entering. Where else in the world, but Nigeria?” View, More,
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