Olayiwola Matthew
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has debunked circulating claims that Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, insisting the reports are unfounded and lack verification.
The denial followed widespread social media posts and reports alleging that Yerima had been trailed by unidentified men in black attire, travelling in two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates. According to those accounts, the alleged pursuit began around 6:30 p.m. at the NIPCO filling station along the Kubwa Expressway and continued toward Gado Nasco Way. Yerima was said to have escaped through a “strategic manoeuvre” during a high-speed chase.
The rumours gained traction because they emerged shortly after Yerima’s public confrontation with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land allocation in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, dismissed the claims completely, stressing that no such attack was reported within the territory.
“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima.
“The command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory.
“The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic,” the statement read.
Adeh urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police division.
This newspaper had reported Yerima’s face-off with Minister Wike on November 11 over a land parcel in the Gaduwa District, allegedly owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).
Viral videos showed Yerima, on security duty, blocking Wike’s entourage from accessing the contested site.
During the altercation, the minister accused the retired naval chief of illegal development and chastised Yerima for allegedly assaulting Federal Capital Development Authority personnel who were enforcing a stop-work order. Wike was heard calling the officer a “fool” and questioning his authority.
The clash sparked national debate. While some defended the minister’s actions as part of his constitutional mandate, several military veterans condemned calls for disciplinary action against Yerima and demanded an apology from Wike.
In a separate statement, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, assured that no legitimate military officer would be sanctioned over the matter.