Retired Generals, Lawyers Fault Wike–Naval Officer Clash, Defence Ministry Launches Probe

Former military Generals have expressed strong disapproval over Tuesday’s confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer identified as A. Yerima, during a dispute over an alleged land grab in Abuja

In separate interviews with Newsmen on Wednesday, the veterans said the incident undermines the military’s chain of command and weakens respect for national institutions.

Responding to public outrage, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru confirmed that the ministry had opened an investigation into the matter, assuring that the Armed Forces would protect personnel carrying out lawful duties. Speaking at a press conference to flag off the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College, Abuja, Badaru commended Yerima for his composure during the standoff with Wike.

“At the ministry, and indeed in the Armed Forces, we will always stand by our officers performing lawful duties,” Badaru said. “We are reviewing the incident and assure that any officer carrying out legitimate work will be fully protected.”

The clash reportedly began after Wike accused a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.), of illegally taking over the land. A video circulating online showed the visibly angered minister confronting Yerima, who was guarding the property under Gambo’s instruction.

Former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai called on Wike to apologise to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and the naval officer, saying the minister’s conduct was inappropriate and disrespectful.

Buratai said, “The events of November 11, 2025, involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, demand immediate action. His verbal assault on a uniformed officer undermines national security, weakens discipline and disrespects the Commander-in-Chief.”

Retired Brig. Gen. Peter Aro said the incident reflects how power should be exercised in a democracy. “The naval officer was acting on lawful orders from his superior. While the minister had every right to question the land’s ownership, it should have been done through official channels like the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff or the courts,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) described the incident as “unacceptable,” adding that confronting a commissioned officer equates to challenging the Commander-in-Chief.

Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, however, defended his principal, claiming the minister was acting against a fraudulent land transaction. Speaking on Channels Television, he explained that the disputed land, allocated in 2007 for park and recreation, was illegally converted and sold by private individuals, including the retired naval chief.

According to Olayinka, “The land was never approved for residential use. It was allocated for a parkway, and even when a request for commercial conversion was made in 2022, it was rejected. Gambo was misled into buying a property that could not be developed.”

Legal experts have also weighed in on the controversy. Constitutional lawyer Prof. Sebastine Hon said Yerima’s actions were unlawful, noting that the officer had no legal right to obstruct the minister. Citing Supreme Court precedents, he argued that military personnel are not bound to obey illegal orders.

Hon explained that under the 1999 Constitution, Wike acts on behalf of the President in all land matters within the FCT. “By law, the FCT Minister exercises delegated powers of the President regarding land administration. Preventing him from accessing the property was a direct affront to presidential authority,” he stated.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Simon Lough, said the minister acted within his constitutional mandate but criticised his decision to physically confront the officer. “He should have handled the matter through formal correspondence rather than personal involvement,” he said.

Human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi faulted Wike’s approach, warning that no minister has authority over military personnel. “A soldier obeys only his superiors in the chain of command, not political figures,” he said. “Ministers handle civil administration, not military command.”

Olajengbesi urged the government to investigate the incident thoroughly, cautioning that unchecked political excesses could strain civil-military relations.