Yerima escapes attack in Abuja, matter under investigation
Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, the young Nigerian Navy officer who recently confronted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has reportedly escaped attack from potential assailants.
Sources say Yerima was followed by unknown men in black attire inside two unmarked Hilux vans with no number plates, from the NIPCO Filling Station off Kubwa Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.
The incident which occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday saw the officer successfully evading the scenario through strategic manoeuvre. The matter is being currently investigated according to sources.
Recall that Yerima had engaged the FCT Minister in a serious verbal exchange over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District, captured in a video that sparked public debate.
While many, including military veterans have condemned Wike’s action of going vitriolic with an officer who claimed to be on duty and acting under orders, others have condemned the action of the officer towards the FCT Minister whom they consider a governor-like figure in the FCT to be accorded the appropriate respect for his office.
Some military veterans have rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima, as the Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar assured that there would be no sanction for any military personnel who act lawfully.
During a ministerial briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations, Badaru noted: “We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty.
“Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and doing it well.”
