BREAKING: Defence Minister Backs Naval Officer Who Confronted Wike Over Land Dispute

By Ademola Adekusibe
November 12, 2025.

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has thrown his weight behind Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer who stood his ground against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a confrontation over a disputed property in Abuja.

Badaru, in a brief statement on Wednesday, said the officer acted professionally and would be fully protected by the military authorities.

“We will always protect our officer. He has done well. We won’t allow anything happen to him,” the Defence Minister stated.

The confrontation, which has gone viral on social media, reportedly occurred at a construction site said to belong to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd). Wike had insisted the property lacked proper documentation, but military sources maintain all necessary approvals were duly submitted to the FCT Administration.

The incident has reignited public debate on the limits of ministerial power and the growing tension between civil authorities and the armed forces in Abuja’s ongoing demolition drive.