A dramatic confrontation ensued on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a yet-to-be-identified military officer over an alleged case of land grabbing at the Gaduwa District, Abuja.
In a video sighted by our correspondent, the visibly infuriated minister accused the officer of forcefully taking over a parcel of land purportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike was heard saying during the exchange.
The officer, who was dressed in full military camouflage, interjected, insisting that the land acquisition was lawful.
“I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he declared.
But his interruption further provoked the minister, who warned him to remain silent.
“I will not shut up,” the officer responded, prompting Wike to flare up.
“You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school,” the former Rivers State governor fired back.
Despite the heated words, the officer maintained that he was carrying out official duties, stating that his presence on the site was based on orders.
“You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see,” Wike retorted angrily as the situation grew tense.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had released an official statement on the incident.
Land ownership disputes and illegal allocations have remained a recurring challenge in the FCT.
Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has launched a series of demolition exercises targeting illegal structures and encroachments, vowing to restore the Abuja Master Plan.