The Senior Special Assistant on Publicity and Communications to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, Mr. Lere Olayinka, has accused a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, of attempting to use military influence to enforce an invalid claim over a disputed plot in Abuja following a fraudulent land transaction.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Olayinka defended Minister Wike’s actions during Tuesday’s confrontation with Naval Officer A.M. Yerima, framing the incident as a fallout from a deliberate scam that misled the former naval chief into purchasing land never intended for private development.
Land Allocated for Public Use, Not Housing
Olayinka revealed that the contested property in Mabushi District was originally allocated in 2007 to Santos Estate Limited strictly for “park and recreation” purposes.
“That land was allocated to a company in 2007—Santos Estate Limited—for park and recreation,” he said. “It’s a parkway, a walkway, a road corridor. You don’t build there.”
He explained that in 2022, the company applied to convert the land use to commercial, but the request was rejected by the then-FCT Minister—before Wike assumed office.
“Despite the rejection, the company illegally subdivided the land and sold portions to unsuspecting buyers, including Vice Admiral Gambo,” Olayinka alleged.
‘He Was Scammed—Then Chose Military Might’
Rather than pursuing legal recourse against the fraudulent seller, Olayinka claimed, the retired admiral opted to deploy serving personnel to secure the site.
“The Chief of Naval Staff was scammed. He now realizes he was scammed,” Olayinka stated. “Instead of seeking help through proper channels, he resorted to military might.
“After selling land allocated for park and recreation for residential construction, who should he hold accountable—the scammer or the government? He chose not to pursue the company that defrauded him.”
No Valid Title, No Approved Plans
Olayinka emphasized that the Mabushi area is zoned exclusively for public and corporate buildings, not private residences.
“That portion is designated for public and corporate use—near the Ministry of Works and Environment. Residential construction is prohibited,” he said.
He further asserted that Vice Admiral Gambo lacks any legitimate title document.
“As of today, Vice Admiral Gambo does not have a title document proving ownership. He does not own the land,” Olayinka declared.
Even if a title existed, he argued, development could not proceed without mandatory approvals.
“Before any development begins, a building plan must be submitted to the Department of Development Control for approval,” he noted. “Nigerians should ask Vice Admiral Gambo: Did he submit a building plan? Was it approved?”
Broader Implications
The aide’s statements add a new dimension to the public dispute, shifting focus from the on-site clash to allegations of systemic land fraud and abuse of military privilege.
The incident has intensified scrutiny over land administration in the FCT and the role of security agencies in private property disputes, with growing calls for transparency and accountability on all sides.
