There was a tense altercation on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and an unidentified military officer following an alleged land-grabbing incident in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.
A video circulating online captured Wike accusing the officer of unlawfully taking possession of a disputed parcel of land.
The visibly frustrated minister questioned why the military was asserting ownership of the property merely because it was 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 said.
The officer, dressed in military camouflage, cut in, insisting that the land was legitimately acquired and that his actions were lawful.
“I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he responded.
Wike, angered by the interruption, instructed him to remain silent.
“I will not shut up,” the officer replied.
The confrontation escalated as Wike retorted, “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”
Despite the heated exchange, the officer maintained that his presence at the location was strictly based on official deployment.
“You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see,” Wike fired back, intensifying the standoff.
As at the time of reporting, neither the military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued a formal statement on the incident.
Land disputes and unauthorised allocations continue to pose challenges in Abuja. Under Wike’s leadership, the FCTA has stepped up crackdowns on illegal land takeovers, unapproved property developments, and encroachments on designated government spaces.
Since taking office in August 2023, Wike has ordered multiple demolitions of what he classified as illegal structures, reaffirming his commitment to restoring the Abuja Master Plan.
Click the link to watch the video.