•Former Naval Chief accused of illegal land acquisitions
Maureen Okpe
A dramatic confrontation erupted in Abuja on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and armed soldiers guarding a disputed parcel of land allegedly linked to retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, former Chief of Naval Staff.
Gambo has been accused by several stakeholders and developers of land grabbing during his tenure, particularly around Asokoro Island, which adjoins the Navy Estate.
“Gambo is messing with Wike the way he did to us. The former Chief of Naval Staff may even threaten Wike over the land grab dispute,” a source stated.
The incident unfolded when Wike led officials from the FCT Administration’s Department of Development Control to the site as part of his ongoing campaign against illegal land acquisitions and unauthorised developments in the capital.
According to officials, the property lacked both a valid allocation and building approval from the FCT Administration. However, upon arrival, Wike’s convoy was stopped by uniformed soldiers stationed at the entrance.
Heated Exchange
The tense standoff escalated when Wike demanded entry, asking, “Who gave you the order?” The officer leading the troops reportedly replied that he was acting on directives “from above.”
Visibly angered, Wike shouted, “You’re a very big fool! When I graduated, you were still in primary school. You will see whether you will leave here or not.” The officer stood his ground, responding, “I am not a fool, sir, and you have no right to call me one.”
In a video released by Channels Television, Wike was seen accusing the officer of using his military position to facilitate the seizure of illegal land.
“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike said.
The officer, dressed in camouflage, defended himself: “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally.” When Wike ordered him to “shut up,” he replied, “I will not shut up,” insisting he was carrying out official duties.
Government Response
Speaking to journalists after the confrontation, Wike described the soldiers’ actions as “illegal” and vowed the government would not succumb to intimidation.
“We cannot continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country. What about those who don’t have the military or security to protect them? When government officials are carrying out their duties, some people think they can use force to intimidate them. I will not accept that,” he said.
The minister stated that he had contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom assured him the situation would be addressed. He reaffirmed that his administration’s enforcement of land-use regulations in Abuja would continue “without fear or favour.”
As of press time, neither the retired naval chief nor the Nigerian Navy had issued an official statement on the incident.
Aide’s Allegations
Reacting to the incident, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, alleged that the former naval chief deployed armed military aides to attack FCTA officials.
“Because he was told to stop building on land for which he has no title document and building approval, former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo sent his armed military security details to attack men of the FCTA Department of Development Control,” Olayinka wrote on Facebook.
Pattern of Disputes
According to Daily Trust and other news sources, several land disputes involving the Nigerian Navy have occurred in the Abuja area. Some of the most prominent recent cases include the Asokoro Island Estate and the Iddo-Sarki Community.
In March 2024, residents and natives of the Iddo-Sarki community near Airport Road protested against the Nigerian Navy for allegedly taking over their ancestral land and attempting to forcefully evict them.
In August 2024, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) Cooperative protested at the Ministry of Defence, alleging that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had encroached upon their 64.5 hectares of land, identified as Plot No. 3908 (now 2204) and 4079, in the Asokoro District.
The cooperative claimed they had obtained a court injunction, which was reportedly disregarded by NAFIL Housing and Construction Company (NAFILHCC). This registered limited liability company claimed to have legally purchased the land from an independent party.