The Federal Government has ordered a probe into the confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, identified as A. Yerima, over a disputed plot of land in Abuja.
The clash, captured in a viral video, drew widespread criticism from retired military generals, who warned that the incident undermines the chain of command and national security institutions.
FG Reacts — Defence Minister Promises Protection for Officers
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, confirmed that an investigation has begun, assuring that military personnel carrying out lawful duties will be fully protected.
“We will always protect officers on lawful duty. Any officer performing his duties legally will be defended by the Armed Forces,” Badaru said at a press briefing ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja.
Ex-Generals Condemn Wike’s Conduct
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), described Wike’s behavior as “a threat to national security” and demanded an apology to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the officer involved.
“A minister’s verbal assault on a uniformed officer strikes at the core of our command structure and undermines the authority of the Commander-in-Chief,” Buratai wrote.
Brig. Gen. Peter Aro (retd.) also stressed that while the minister could question land ownership, it must be done through proper legal and administrative channels, not public confrontation.
“The officer acted under lawful orders from his superior. Ministers must model restraint and respect for institutions,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) added that the minister’s actions were “unacceptable” and “disrespectful to the office of the Commander-in-Chief.”
Wike’s Camp Responds
Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, defended his principal, alleging that the disputed land in Mabushi, Abuja, was originally allocated for park and recreation and later sold illegally by private developers, including a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).
“That land was never meant for residential development. The ex-Naval Chief was misled and bought land that wasn’t legally transferable,” Olayinka claimed.
He argued that Gambo’s deployment of military personnel to guard the property was illegal and that Wike was right to question the encroachment.
Legal Experts Divided
Prof. Sebastine Hon (SAN) faulted the naval officer’s decision to block the minister, describing it as an “unlawful act” and a “breach of the Constitution.”
“By law, the FCT Minister exercises presidential powers over land administration in Abuja. Obstructing him was an affront to civil authority,” Hon stated.
However, Pelumi Olajengbesi, a human rights lawyer, disagreed, saying Wike had no constitutional authority to countermand a military officer on duty.
“Ministers cannot command soldiers. Only the President and military chiefs can. The confrontation was reckless and an abuse of office,” he argued.
Institutional Respect and Chain of Command
Legal and military analysts urged both civilian officials and security personnel to respect constitutional boundaries.
“The military must remain disciplined, but civilian leaders must model restraint,” Brig. Aro warned.
Experts say the probe ordered by the Defence Ministry will determine whether the officer acted under lawful orders or overstepped his mandate.
