Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has explained the minister’s confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja, saying it stemmed from a disputed land transaction.
Speaking, Olayinka said the land in Gaduwa was originally allocated in 2007 to Santos Estate Limited for park and recreation, not commercial use. He said the company later sought to convert it for business purposes and allegedly sold parts of it — including to a former Chief of Naval Staff — without proper approval.
“The former Naval Chief was scammed. Instead of seeking help, he chose to use military force,” Olayinka said.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when Wike and his team visited the site and were stopped by soldiers guarding it. The minister accused them of acting without legal authority, insisting no one is above the law.
“You cannot intimidate a minister with guns,” Wike reportedly said during the altercation.
The former Naval Chief has yet to comment, though soldiers at the scene claimed he had documents for the property.
The clash has since stirred public debate on land administration and the misuse of military influence in the FCT.
