News

Wike Clashes With Military Officer Over Alleged Land Grab in Abuja

BySodiq Yusuf

PublishedNovember 11, 2025

A heated confrontation occurred on Tuesday between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a military officer over a disputed plot in Gaduwa, Abuja.

A video seen by OSUN DEFENDER showed Wike accusing the officer of illegally taking land linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, questioning why the military could claim property based on past rank.

“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” the minister said.

The officer, in military uniform, insisted the acquisition was lawful, saying, “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” prompting Wike to demand that he be quiet.

“I will not shut up,” the officer retorted, escalating the exchange.

Wike fired back, saying, “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”

The officer maintained he was on official deployment at the site, leading Wike to challenge him further, “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see.”

Neither the military nor the FCT Administration has commented on the incident.

Land disputes have been a persistent problem in Abuja.

Since taking office in August 2023, Wike has intensified efforts to stop unauthorised land acquisition and illegal property development, carrying out several demolitions to enforce the Abuja Master Plan.

Sodiq Yusuf

Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.