By Maryam Charles
A dramatic confrontation occurred on Wednesday in Abuja when Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, clashed with naval officers over the alleged illegal development of a disputed land in Gaduwa District.
The face-off unfolded during Wike’s unscheduled inspection of Plot 1946, reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
Eyewitnesses said the minister was visibly angered after learning that officials of the FCT Department of Development Control had earlier been chased away by armed soldiers while attempting to enforce a stop-work order on the site.
During the visit, the soldiers, led by Naval Lt. A. M. Yarima, reportedly blocked access to the property with a truck, preventing the minister and his entourage from entering.
Wike condemned the military’s interference, describing it as an act of lawlessness and a challenge to constituted authority.
“This land was flagged because the developers have no valid documents or legal approval,” the minister said.
Supporting his statement, the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, affirmed that the property had not been officially allocated by the FCT Administration and therefore lacked legitimate ownership documents.
He added that all ongoing activities at the site were in violation of Abuja’s land development regulations.
The confrontation drew a heavy security presence before the minister’s team eventually withdrew, promising further action against those behind the disputed construction.
