FCT Command Urges Public to Ignore Unverified Reports Amid Speculation
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has refuted circulating reports of an assassination attempt on Lt. Ahmed Yerima, a Nigerian Navy officer, labeling the allegations baseless and unrecorded.
The claims, amplified by several news outlets (excluding PUNCH) and social media, alleged that Yerima was pursued by unidentified men in black attire aboard two unmarked Hilux vans without license plates. The supposed chase began around 6:30 p.m. at the NIPCO filling station on Kubwa Expressway, extending to Gado Nasco Way, with Yerima escaping via evasive maneuvers.
Speculation tied the incident to Yerima’s recent standoff with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on November 11 over a contested plot in Gaduwa District, purportedly owned by retired Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, former Chief of Naval Staff.
In a Sunday night statement, Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh emphasized: “No such incident has been reported or recorded within the FCT.” She advised the public to dismiss the misinformation, avoid disseminating unverified details that could incite panic, and report suspicions to local stations.
Viral footage from the clash depicted Yerima, on security assignment, obstructing Wike’s entourage from accessing the site. Wike accused Gambo of unauthorized construction and reprimanded Yerima for purportedly assaulting Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) staff attempting to intervene, at one point calling the officer a “fool” and challenging his jurisdiction.
The episode sparked polarized reactions: Proponents of Wike viewed it as enforcement of regulatory duties, while military veterans defended Yerima, opposing disciplinary measures and seeking an apology from the minister.
Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar reinforced support for personnel in lawful roles, stating during a briefing on the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: “We will always protect officers on lawful duty,” ruling out sanctions against compliant service members.
