The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has refuted viral reports suggesting that Nigerian Navy officer Lt. Ahmed Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja. The Command described the claims as baseless and lacking any official record.
The rumours spread across social media and several news platforms (excluding PUNCH), alleging that Yerima was trailed by unidentified men dressed in black and driving two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates. The alleged chase was said to begin at the NIPCO filling station along the Kubwa Expressway around 6:30 p.m. and continued toward Gado Nasco Way. Yerima was reported to have avoided danger through a swift, strategic manoeuvre.
These reports resurfaced shortly after Yerima’s tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a contested plot of land in Gaduwa District, sparking speculation about possible motives behind the alleged pursuit.
In a statement released Sunday night, FCT Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh stated unequivocally that no such incident was ever reported or recorded within Abuja. The Command urged the public to disregard the claims and avoid sharing unverified information capable of inciting fear.
Adeh encouraged residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Earlier, PUNCH Online reported the heated altercation between Yerima and Wike during an inspection of a disputed property linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd). Viral footage showed Yerima blocking Wike’s team from accessing the site, prompting the minister to accuse the officer of obstructing lawful enforcement and assaulting FCDA officials. The confrontation quickly sparked national debate, dividing public opinion.
While some defended Wike’s actions as necessary oversight, many military veterans publicly supported Yerima and demanded an apology from the minister. The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, also weighed in, assuring that no military officer acting lawfully would face any disciplinary action.
