Wike Clashes With Military Officer Over Alleged Land Encroachment in Abuja
A heated confrontation took place on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and an unidentified military officer over an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.
A video obtained by our correspondent showed Wike accusing the officer of unlawfully taking possession of a plot of land. The minister challenged the officer, questioning why the military would claim ownership simply because the property was once 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 demanded.
The officer, dressed in military camouflage, insisted that his acquisition of the land was legal and carried out with integrity. “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he said.
Wike, visibly angry, ordered the officer to be quiet, prompting the officer to respond, “I will not shut up.” The minister shot back: “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”
The officer maintained that he was deployed to the site on official orders, but Wike escalated the exchange: “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see.”
As of press time, neither the military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Land disputes and illegal allocations remain a recurring problem in Abuja. Since taking office in August 2023, Wike has stepped up efforts to curb unauthorised land acquisition, illegal property development, and encroachments, ordering demolitions of illegal structures to enforce the Abuja Master Plan.
Soldiers, Wike, FCTA officials, go physical to gain access to land in Abuja
Soldiers Stop Wike, FCTA Officials From Gaining Access To Land
I can not believe Wike is crying lol 😆
— Emma ik Umeh (Tcee )🇳🇬 (@emmaikumeh) November 11, 2025
