November 11, (THEWILL) — A heated confrontation erupted in Abuja on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and an unidentified military officer over an alleged land-grabbing case in Gaduwa District.
In a viral video obtained by THEWILL, Wike was seen in a tense face-off with the officer, accusing him of illegally taking possession of a plot of land linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The confrontation, captured during an inspection visit, quickly descended into a shouting match that drew the attention of security aides and onlookers.
“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?”, Wike fumed, visibly angered by what he described as a blatant abuse of privilege.
The officer, dressed in military camouflage, cut in, insisting his claim to the land was legitimate.
“I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally”, he retorted, prompting the minister to order him to keep quiet.
When the officer refused, saying, “I will not shut up”, the exchange turned even more explosive.
An enraged Wike shot back: “You are a very big fool! As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school”, sparking gasps among those present.
The officer, however, maintained that he was acting on official instructions, claiming deployment to the site was sanctioned by his superiors.
Wike, undeterred, fired another warning: “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see.”
Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has made land reform and enforcement of the Abuja Master Plan central to his administration. He has ordered several demolitions of unauthorised structures and revoked dozens of irregular land titles, insisting that no one is above the law.
Tuesday’s altercation, however, underscores both Wike’s combative approach and the entrenched interests resisting his reforms.
As of press time, neither the Nigerian military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had issued an official statement on the altercation. Efforts by THEWILL to obtain clarifications from both institutions proved unsuccessful.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
