Nigerian Man Condemns Naval Officer's Behavior in Viral Police Encounter
A Nigerian man has publicly criticized Lieutenant A.M. Yerima of the Nigerian Navy over what he described as unprofessional conduct during a recent encounter with police officers. The criticism comes after a video showing the interaction between the naval officer and policemen went viral on social media platforms.
The incident occurred just weeks after Yerima gained national attention for his alleged assassination attempt in Abuja. While the police have denied any assassination plot, the new video has sparked fresh controversy and divided public opinion.
The Viral Video Details
In the video, which was reposted by user @dammiedammie35 on social media platform X, Lieutenant Yerima is seen inside his vehicle while being stopped by police officers on duty. The police officers confronted the naval officer about his covered car plate number and tinted windows, standard security concerns during routine checks.
According to eyewitness accounts from the video, one police officer appeared visibly angry and tense as he questioned Yerima about why his vehicle identification was obscured. The naval officer responded by flashing his ID card, but the interaction quickly escalated into a heated argument.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Social media user Abdulsalam5476 was among the first to voice strong criticism against the naval officer's behavior. In a post on X, he stated: "I'm not saying the police are innocent, but if he had addressed them professionally, it wouldn't have escalated to this level. This is totally unprofessional, no matter who you are."
The user further emphasized that police have the right to stop and question drivers about covered plate numbers, noting that proper documentation should exist to justify such security measures.
The video has triggered widespread reactions from Nigerians across social media platforms. User @dele003 commented: "Pride don dey enter the man head. Just as every other Nigerian. I don't know why we black men including you and I and those police men, small power and fame and boom, we start thinking we're gods."
Another user, @001Xtasy, highlighted the systemic issues exposed by the incident: "This whole situation just exposes the deeper problem we have as a country where everyone bends the rules, both citizens and those in uniform. A covered plate is wrong, and inconsistent policing is equally wrong."
Background and Context
Lieutenant Yerima first gained national prominence following his alleged assassination attempt in Abuja. The officer had previously been involved in a widely publicized face-off with Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, which had earned him public sympathy and support.
However, some social media users now believe the officer's recent fame has affected his conduct. User @jimmyshomuji noted: "It appears that the little fame Nigerians accorded you during your ordeal with Wike has now run into your head. What was once sympathy and support from the public has seemingly been misinterpreted as a license for arrogance and self-importance."
The incident has sparked broader conversations about professionalism among security personnel and the need for consistent application of traffic and security regulations regardless of rank or status.
As the video continues to circulate online, many Nigerians are calling for greater accountability and professional conduct from all security personnel, emphasizing that rules should apply equally to both ordinary citizens and officers in uniform.
