Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima was a soldier assigned as an aide-de-camp to retired Naval Chief Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo until he had an encounter with Nyesom Wike, ex-Rivers Governor and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, which went viral, and he became a hero, as portrayed by netizens.
Recall that Lt. Ahmed Yerima, a Nigerian Navy officer, confronted Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, on November 11, 2025, at a disputed land site in Abuja’s Gaduwa District. The said land allegedly belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo.
A viral video seen by WITHIN NIGERIA showed that Yerima blocked Wike’s team from accessing the land site, which led to a heated exchange. In the video, Wike was questioning the right of Yerima to be at the site and was heard calling Yerima a ‘fool,’ who replied that ‘he is not a fool, sir.’
The video has sparked controversy, leading to diverse opinions from netizens who watched the viral content. Many netizens applauded Yerima for maintaining his position and not being intimidated by Wike’s presence and influence, while some backed Wike, claiming that he is only doing his constitutional duty.
The video became a subject of discussion on several platforms, like broadcast and print media, including social media platforms. As Nigerians shared their views on the incident, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, disclosed that the government will protect officers performing lawful duties. Many interpreted the statement as a form of backing for Yerima, the naval officer.
Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, stated that the incident was “unnecessary and avoidable.”
He stressed that Yerima, who was acting on orders, didn’t break any military rules and was respectful throughout the exchange.
He suggested Wike should have used proper channels instead of confronting the officer directly.
He added that the Chief of Naval Staff has started investigating the disputed land.
He also noted that Wike had contacted military chiefs before heading to the site but chose to proceed anyway, urging officials to respect the chain of command.
General Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff, stated that Wike’s behavior was an “offence against the state.”
He stressed that the military uniform represents the authority of Nigeria, not just the individual wearing it.
While emphasizing that he would not dare slap a soldier as a general, he urged respect for uniformed personnel.
General Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff, states that Wike’s behavior was a “clear and present danger to national security” and undermined military discipline.
He advised Wike to apologize to President Bola Tinubu and Lieutenant Yerima for publicly humiliating a soldier in uniform.
ASSASSINATION?
However, on Monday, November 17, a story emerged on social media that Lieutenant Yerima was trailed by unidentified men in black who rode two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates from a NIPCO filling station on Kubwa Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.
The alleged assassination attempt went viral and drew sympathy from netizens across the length and breadth of the country.
Many Nigerians had condemned the assassination move until the Nigeria Police reacted to it.
The FCT Police Command debunked claims of an assassination attempt on Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima.
The command stated that no such incident was reported or recorded in the Federal Capital Territory.
The command described the circulating reports as “false and grossly misleading.” It urged the public to disregard them to avoid causing unnecessary panic.
SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT PPRO, explained that a routine stop-and-search operation was conducted on a vehicle with a concealed number plate and tinted windows at NNPC Junction, Kubwa.“
The occupant refused to identify himself, but three naval personnel later arrived and confirmed him as their colleague, Lieutenant Yerima.
The police allowed the vehicle to proceed without further incident,” she further explained.
The police also reminded residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, providing emergency contact numbers: 08032003913 and 08068587311.