The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has officially refuted circulating reports claiming there was an assassination attempt on Naval Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima in Abuja. This development comes amid heightened public interest following Yerima's recent confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site.
Police Statement Dismisses Viral Claims
Police Superintendent Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT police command, released a statement late on Sunday, November 16, categorically denying that any such incident occurred. Adeh emphasized that "no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory" according to multiple media reports including The Punch and Vanguard.
The police spokesperson urged the public to disregard what she described as false information and cautioned against spreading unverified claims that could cause unnecessary panic among residents. Her statement directly addressed viral social media reports that had gained significant traction throughout the day.
Original Incident Details
Earlier reports from multiple news platforms had alleged that Lieutenant Yerima was trailed by two unmarked Hilux vehicles without license plates in the Kubwa area of Abuja. According to these initial accounts, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, with the vehicles allegedly following the officer from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway through to Gado Nasco Way.
Military sources quoted in the original reports claimed that Yerima had to conduct tactical escape maneuvers to evade the pursuing vehicles. The sources indicated that the matter was being investigated with "the seriousness it deserves" and that further details were being withheld to avoid compromising the investigative process.
Background: The Wike Confrontation
This alleged incident comes just days after Lieutenant Yerima was involved in a highly publicized confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The tense exchange occurred while Yerima and other security personnel were on duty at a disputed land site in Gaduwa District.
The clash between the naval officer and the minister was captured in viral videos that sparked widespread public debate and discussion across various media platforms. The confrontation ultimately led to intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently ordered the halting of demolition exercises at the disputed site.
The police dismissal of the assassination attempt reports represents the latest development in this ongoing story that has captured national attention and raised questions about security protocols and political tensions in the federal capital.
