A newly emerged video has provided clear visual evidence of how the dramatic confrontation between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima of the Nigerian Navy began in Abuja.
The Tense Standoff Captured on Camera
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, was captured in a 7-minute 44-second video broadcast by TVC News. The footage shows Minister Wike arriving at a contested property with his official convoy, immediately engaging in a heated exchange with the naval officer who was stationed at the site.
The video clearly depicts Lieutenant Yerima repeatedly refusing to comply with Wike's directives to grant access to the land, despite the minister's position as the FCT's chief administrator. The officer maintained remarkable composure throughout the encounter, even when subjected to provocative language from the minister.
Exchange of Words and Claims of Authority
During the confrontation, Wike reportedly used strong language, calling the officer a fool, to which Yerima responded professionally: "I am not a fool, sir. I am acting on instructions, and I am a commissioned officer."
The FCT minister demanded to see documents justifying the military's presence on the property, firmly stating that no one, regardless of rank or position, is above the law. He challenged the officer directly, saying: "Show me the document you have. You have no document."
In response, Lieutenant Yerima stood his ground, insisting that the land had been legally acquired by the Nigerian Navy. The officer's unwavering stance highlighted the complex jurisdictional issues often surrounding land ownership and military installations in the federal capital.
Background of the Disputed Land
Following the incident, Lere Olayinka, a media aide to Minister Wike, provided additional context about the disputed property. He revealed that the land in question was controversially acquired by a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retired).
This revelation adds another layer to the ongoing tensions between civilian authorities and military establishments regarding land allocation and ownership in Abuja. The confrontation underscores the challenges facing urban development and administrative control in Nigeria's capital territory.
The publication of this video has generated significant public interest, providing visual context to what was previously described through witness accounts and official statements. The footage offers Nigerians a firsthand look at the power dynamics and jurisdictional conflicts that can occur between high-ranking government officials and military personnel.
