FCT Minister Wike Faces Serious Allegations Over Land Management
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has leveled serious accusations against Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, alleging widespread abuse of power in land allocation and revocation processes. These explosive claims emerge following a viral confrontation between the minister and military officer Yerima that occurred on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Heated Encounter Sparks National Conversation
The controversy gained national attention when a video circulated showing soldiers preventing Minister Wike from accessing a piece of land in the Gaduwa area of Abuja. The tense standoff between the FCT minister and military personnel immediately sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms and traditional media outlets.
Deji Adeyanju did not hold back in his assessment of the situation, stating: "You cannot revoke someone's land and give it to another person unless it is in the public interest, like building a road, hospital, or airport. But what Wike has been doing is giving ordinary people's land to his children and allies."
Specific Case of Santos Properties Revealed
Adeyanju provided detailed information about one particular case involving Santos Properties, which he claims developed 30 hectares of land in Gaduwa after fulfilling all necessary financial obligations to the government. According to the activist, despite an existing agreement that would see a portion of the land returned to the government for public use, Minister Wike allegedly insisted on taking control of the entire property.
The human rights lawyer warned about the broader economic implications of such actions, noting that financial institutions have become increasingly reluctant to accept land titles as collateral due to the minister's alleged pattern of unexpected land revocations. This development threatens to undermine property investment and development across the Federal Capital Territory.
Praise for Military Officer Yerima
In his remarks, Adeyanju expressed strong support for military officer A.M. Yerima, who stood his ground during the confrontation with Minister Wike. He described the officer as having "stood tall in the face of verbal abuse and intimidation" by what he characterized as the "ever-powerful drunk SNWK," using an acronym that has become popular among Wike's critics.
Adeyanju emphasized that "ordinarily, the military should not be anywhere close to protecting the land or property of anyone, but when we are dealing with people like SNWK, who take the law into their hands and break the law at will, since he became FCT minister, he has been above the law."
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
The viral video and subsequent allegations have generated massive public engagement across Nigeria. Social media users have expressed diverse opinions on the matter, with many praising Officer Yerima's conduct during the confrontation.
One social media user commented: "The Officer Delivered Excellence," while another noted: "One thing is certain, Wike no go sleep tonight and that makes me happy." The incident has clearly captured national attention and sparked important conversations about power, accountability, and land rights in Nigeria's capital.
Nollywood producer Stanley Ontop also joined the discussion, sharing his perspective on the confrontation and highlighting what he perceived as Wike's intimidation when facing the military officer. This celebrity involvement further amplified the story's reach beyond political circles.
Broader Implications for Land Tenure System
Beyond the immediate controversy, Adeyanju pointed to significant systemic concerns arising from the minister's alleged actions. He stated that "housing is a vital tool for economic development, but Wike's alleged actions have disrupted the land tenure system and created uncertainty for developers and homeowners alike."
The activist's allegations suggest a pattern of behavior that could have long-term consequences for property development and investment confidence in Abuja. As the situation continues to develop, many Nigerians are watching closely to see how the government will address these serious claims against one of its most prominent ministers.
The controversy represents another chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of land administration practices in the Federal Capital Territory, raising fundamental questions about transparency, due process, and the proper exercise of ministerial power in Nigeria's capital city.