The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has declared that Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima, the naval officer seen in a viral video exchanging words with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, did not violate any law or military regulation during the encounter.
Speaking in an interview, Matawalle clarified that the naval officer’s actions were in line with standard operational procedures, stressing that Yerima merely carried out his duty by protecting a property under the control of the Nigerian Navy.
He assured that the officer would not face any disciplinary measures, adding that Yerima maintained professionalism and respect throughout the interaction, despite the tense nature of the exchange.
The controversy began after a video surfaced showing Wike confronting Lieutenant Yerima at a disputed plot of land located in Gaduwa District, Abuja, reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd). In the clip, the FCT Minister was seen questioning the naval officer’s authority to restrict access to the site, which resulted in a heated back-and-forth between the two men.
Reacting to the incident, Matawalle emphasized that Yerima acted strictly on orders and that the situation could have been avoided if proper communication channels had been followed.
“The minister should not have confronted him directly,” Matawalle said. “Lieutenant Yerima was carrying out lawful orders. If there were concerns, the appropriate step would have been to reach out to his superior officers or to me, since I am responsible for naval affairs.”
He further explained that before the visit to the site, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff had already been informed of the land dispute and were in the process of addressing it through official channels.
Commending Yerima for his calm demeanor and disciplined posture during the confrontation, Matawalle described the young officer as “a fine representation of the Nigerian Navy’s values of respect, courage, and duty.”
“You could see clearly that he remained courteous and professional throughout the encounter,” the Minister added. “He stood his ground respectfully, and from all assessments, he did not breach any rule of engagement or military code of conduct.”
Matawalle reiterated that the Ministry of Defence would always stand by officers performing their legitimate duties, warning against any undue interference with military operations or properties under official protection.
“This matter should not have escalated to a public confrontation,” he concluded. “Our officers deserve to be respected when they are performing lawful duties on behalf of the nation.”
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