metro

Defence Minister faults Wike’s handling of Naval land dispute

Published

3 weeks ago

November 13, 2025

L-R, The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike

Defence Minister faults Wike’s handling of Naval land dispute

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence has launched a formal investigation into the reported land dispute between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant A. Yerima.

The incident, which reportedly occurred in Abuja on Tuesday, has sparked public debate on civil–military relations within the FCT.

According to reports, Lieutenant Yerima acted under the directive of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.), during a disagreement involving the disputed property.

Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, Matawalle described the confrontation as “unnecessary and avoidable”, noting that it amounted to indirect disrespect to President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“What happened between Minister Wike and the officer is unfortunate. The officer explained that he was obeying orders. Wike should not have exchanged words with him but rather channelled his concerns through the officer’s superior,” Matawalle said.

He explained that Wike had earlier contacted both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who advised him to allow the military to handle the issue internally before taking further action.

Matawalle disclosed that despite these assurances, the FCT Minister proceeded to the site, disregarding repeated advice to wait for an official inquiry.

READ ALSO:

“The Minister should understand that every officer has superiors. He was advised to wait for an investigation but chose to visit the site and confront the officer. As a leader, he ought to have exercised patience,” the minister stated.

Clarifying his stance, Matawalle stressed that his comments should not be misconstrued as defending military misconduct but as a reminder of the importance of discipline and respect for the chain of command.

“The officer acted lawfully and respectfully. He was trained to obey orders and did not commit any offence under military regulations,” he noted.
“Anyone who disrespects a soldier indirectly disrespects the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”

The minister added that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has since visited the disputed site to begin a comprehensive investigation into the ownership and allocation of the land.

“Now that the Chief of Naval Staff has visited the area, the matter will be investigated to determine who holds the lawful documents. If the land has been revoked, there are established procedures to address it,” Matawalle said.

He revealed that although the Ministry of Defence had not received any formal complaint from Wike, he personally contacted the FCT Minister after the video of the confrontation went viral.

Meanwhile, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar has reaffirmed that no officer performing lawful duties will face punishment over the incident.

“We will always protect officers and personnel on lawful duty. Any officer acting within the law will be protected,” Abubakar said.

Defence Minister faults Wike’s handling of Naval land dispute

Up Next

Mohbad’s widow defies Aloba family, insists on using husband’s surname

Don't Miss

Mohbad’s family demands DNA test, bars widow from using ‘Aloba’ surname

metro

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

3 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

READ ALSO:

“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

metro

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

4 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

READ ALSO:

During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

metro

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

4 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

READ ALSO:

He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.