BREAKING: The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has directed that a ₦40 billion defamation lawsuit be served on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, through substituted means.

PDP; DAMAGUM HANDS OVER TO TURAKI AS CHAIRMAN

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amb. Illiya Damagum has formally handed over to the party’s leadership, the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee.

This is as the tenure of the past NWC ends on December 8, 2025 amid a legal tussle with the camp led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

BREAKING: Wike’s FCTA Re-Enforces Ban on Smartphones, Allows Only Torchlight Phones for Staff

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has reinstated a strict ban on smartphones and internet-enabled devices for staff on Grade Level 14 and below. In a circular dated November 28, 2025, the FCTA ordered full enforcement from December 1, requiring affected workers to drop their devices in secure cabinets and use only basic “torchlight phones” during office hours. The directive, signed by Assistant Director Amaka Ezike, follows an earlier policy reportedly approved at a staff meeting, with management instructed to enforce compliance or apply disciplinary action.
#FCTA #Wike #WorkplacePolicy

FCTA DEBUNKS CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS; DIRECTS SUSPENSION OF DANLAMI HAYYO

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has directed the suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo., following the circular issued for the closure of all public schools in the FCT.
In a statement by the Senior Special Adviser to FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media Lere Olayinka, the
Acting Head of Service, Mrs Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has also been mandated to discipline the Director, School Services, Mrs Aishatu Sani Alhassan who issued the circular, in accordance with the civil service rules.

Describing the report on early closure of schools as false and misleading.
The administration urged parents, students, and school authorities to dismiss the rumour, stressing that the approved academic calendar remained unchanged.

The FCTA also assured residents of the FCT, especially students of adequate security, adding that the Minister has directed the resumption of Operation Sweep and other security initiatives in the federal capital.

PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike-Backed Faction Expels Governors Makinde, Balance Mohammed & Dauda Lawal.

The internal turmoil within the PDP escalated sharply on Tuesday as the factional National Executive Committee (NEC) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ratified the expulsion of several high-profile party figures, including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).

Also expelled were former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former National Vice Chairman, Bode George; and the recently elected National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN.

Tuesday’s actions follow last weekend’s contentious PDP national convention in Ibadan, where Wike and his loyalists were themselves expelled—sparking a fresh wave of confrontations. 

The tension peaked at the PDP national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, where rival factions attempted to hold parallel NEC and Board of Trustees meetings, resulting in a heated standoff.

During its meeting at the secretariat, the Wike-backed factional NEC also dissolved the state executive councils in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti, directing that caretaker committees be set up and new congresses conducted.

Reading the communiqué, National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu said, “NEC received the report of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the party into disrepute.”

He added that NEC had approved disciplinary proceedings against several members, including Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel, and Emmanuel Enorden.

Military reportedly deploys patrol team on Gado Nasko Road amid suspected assasination attempt report on Lt. Yerima

Lieutenant A.M. Yerima was allegedly trailed by unidentified individuals on Sunday, prompting a heightened military presence along the Gado Nasko Road in Kubwa.

According to report from Vanguard,At around 7 p.m., a convoy of eight military vehicles was observed patrolling the Gado Nasko axis, reportedly due to concerns over the officer’s safety.

The incident allegedly involved two unmarked white Hilux vans, whose occupants—dressed in black—were said to have followed Lt. Yerima from the NIPCO Station off the Kubwa Expressway to Gado Nasko Road around 6 p.m. This development reportedly triggered the immediate activation of security protocols in the area.

Despite the reports, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has denied receiving any information regarding an assassination attempt or the trailing of the officer.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that no such incident had been reported or recorded anywhere within the FCT. She urged the public to disregard circulating claims, describing them as false and capable of causing unnecessary panic. Residents were also advised to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police division or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311.

Meanwhile, military authorities have confirmed that the alleged trailing is under investigation as they continue to assess the situation and ensure the officer’s safety.

Lieutenant Yarima escapes "assassination attempt" in Abuja days after engaging in tense confrontation with Wike.

Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. A.M. Yarima, who recently had a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly escaped an assassination attempt around 6:30pm on Sunday, Nov. 16.

According to Vanguard, military sources stated that Yarima was trailed by some unknown men clad in black and riding in two unmarked Hilux vans with no number plates. The vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way.

According to the source, Yarima noticed the men trailing him and executed a “strategic maneuver,” successfully evading the suspected assailants.

The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves.”

The source also disclosed to the publication that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the investigation.

This comes days after Lt. Yarima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District.

You Go Explain Tire, Evidence Boku—Farotimi On Wike Saying He Never Called Naval Officer A Fool.

In a recent statement via his official X account, public affairs commentator and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has reacted to the latest controversy surrounding the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The minister has denied ever calling a naval officer “a fool,” even though a video circulating online appears to show him making the statement.

"You go explain tire, evidence boku," he wrote.

In his post, Farotimi mocked the denial and suggested that evidence was already widespread.

Wike: With Eleven Microphones, He Attempts A Denial Of What He Said With No Microphone — Dino Melaye.

Former federal lawmaker Senator Dino Melaye has publicly ridiculed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, after sharing a video clip of the minister’s recent interview on his verified Instagram page. The post, uploaded on Friday, November 14, 2025, captures Wike addressing the controversy surrounding his confrontation with a naval officer during an enforcement operation linked to an alleged land grab in Abuja.

Melaye accompanied the video clip with a pointed caption: “With Eleven microphones, he attempts a denial of what he said with no microphone. Spirit of error na shege.”

The video shows Wike defending his actions and clarifying comments he made during the incident. He insisted that his conscience guided his response during the confrontation: “My conscience will not allow me. If I’m enforcing rules order to other people then I’m going to say this man, don’t go there because he was former naval officer. Nobody does that. So those who are writing, who are talking junks, go and find out what really happened.”

Wike also addressed widespread claims that he insulted the military or referred to the naval officer as a “fool.” He said; “Some people say I said the boy is a fool and what I meant was this. You cannot be carrying out an illegal order. That’s what I said. I didn’t say the military is a fool. I couldn’t have said that. I don’t remember. I know the role of the military. The role they have been playing in this country. What they have passed through in fact is just terrorism. There’s nobody.”

The minister emphasised his longstanding support for security agencies: “And I’ve always given my support to security agencies. As I came as FCT minister, go and see their security agencies. Go and see what I provided for them to fight and do their work.” He further questioned why he would undermine the same institutions he has equipped: “So if I knew that, why would I say military? It’s not true. But you, what you are doing, you are not doing what you are taught as an officer.”

Wike compared the officer’s conduct to misconduct within academia: “You may find that an officer does nothing that if you do, what’s wrong? It’s like a professor in the university who will not allow young girls to rest or will not allow them to bring money for this and that. Then when I see that professor, I will tell that professor, you are not supposed to be a professor at all.”

Land dispute: Top FCTA officials tender apology to Wike over brawl with Navy officer.

Top officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have tendered an unreserved apology to the Minister, Nyesom Wike over his recent brawl with Navy Lieutenant AM Yerima in the Gaduwa area of Abuja on Tuesday, November 12.

Wike and Yerima had engaged in a heated verbal altercation over a piece of land owned by a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo.

The minister’s aide, Lere Olayinka had on Wednesday stated that Gambo was scammed off the property by an Abuja-based estate development and had no legal backing to deploy the use of military officers led by Yerima to guard the property and prevent FCTA officials including Wike from gaining access to the land.

Reacting days after the incident, the staff of the administration on Thursday apologised to the minister over the controversial incident which had continued to make headlines.

Land Dispute: Reactions After Dino Melaye Shared Video Of Abuja Residents Chanting Wike Shame On You.

Social media users reacted strongly after Senator Dino Melaye, a former governorship aspirant in Kogi State, shared a video showing residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ridiculing Minister Nyesom Wike and his team. The footage was posted on Melaye’s official X account on November 13, 2025.

The video was recorded during an incident in Abuja where Wike and his entourage attempted to inspect a plot of land but were reportedly blocked by Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima and other military personnel. In the clip, the residents could be seen siding with the officers while openly mocking the FCT Minister and his team.

At one point in the video, people were heard shouting phrases such as, “Wike, shame on you. Power pass power,” reflecting their disapproval of the minister’s presence and actions. The moment quickly drew attention online, with many social media users reacting to the video through comments, shares, and discussions.

The post sparked a variety of reactions from the public, highlighting the growing interest in political developments in Abuja and the involvement of security personnel in local disputes. Several users expressed amusement at the residents’ boldness, while others debated the implications of the confrontation between a high-ranking political figure and military officers.

"I wouldn’t have said that the military is a fool. I know their rules" — Wike clarifies his statement in his clash with Naval officer over a disputed land in Abuja.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified remarks he made during an altercation with a naval officer amid an ongoing dispute involving a piece of land in Abuja.

Speaking at a press conference, Wike addressed public reactions to a video of the confrontation, insisting that his comments were misunderstood and taken out of context. 

According to him, his criticism was directed at the illegality of the officer’s actions, not at the Nigerian military as an institution.
In his words, “Some people will say I said ‘the boy, you are a fool.’ What I meant was this — you can’t be carrying out an illegal order — that’s what I meant. I didn’t say military you are a fool. I wouldn’t have said that. I wouldn’t have. I know the rule of the military.”

The clash reportedly occurred when Wike visited the disputed land and questioned the presence and resistance of naval personnel stationed there. 

The FCT Administration, he said, will continue to intervene wherever public property or legal procedures are being undermined.

The Nigerian Defence minister has however drummed support for Naval officer Lt. AM Yerima. Noting that he acted right.

Former President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, has called on Nigerians to show utmost respect for the country’s armed forces, following the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja.

I Don’t Have Any Problem With The Military” – Wike Speaks After Clash With Soldiers In Abuja.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dispelled any claims of a misunderstanding between himself and the Nigerian military.

According to Wike, who spoke with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, he has no problem and would never have a problem with the military.

His comments follow the altercation between him and an officer of the Nigerian Navy on Tuesday over the legality of an ongoing development of a land in Abuja, which has since snowballed into a matter of national discourse.

However, in his chat with newsmen on Thursday, the FCT Minister stated that claims in certain quarters about a fallout between him and the Nigerian military are false, mischievous, and unfounded.

He submitted that the Armed Forces is an institution he has utmost respect for, adding that his administration has remained steadfast in supporting military operations within the FCT and across Nigeria.

“Let me make it clear I do not have any problem with the military and will never have. I have great respect for the institution and for the sacrifices they make to keep our nation safe,” he said.

Addressing his comments during the heated confrontation which broke out on Tuesday in Abuja after soldiers prevented him and his entourage from accessing a parcel of land in the Gaduwa district, Wike said his words were taken out of context as he was only advocating for lawful conduct and adherence to constitutional principles by all security operatives.

“What I said was simple no officer or individual should carry out an illegal order. If an instruction is unlawful, you have the right to say no. That does not mean I have a problem with the military.

Atiku Reacts To Report That He Has Given Lieutenant Yerima A Brand New SUV For Challenging Wike.

Fomer Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar has reacted to report that he gave Lieutenant A.M Yerima a brand new SUV for challenging the Minster of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

The reaction of the former Vice President was contained in a report that was published on the official X handle of Vanguard on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

This is coming after the FCT Minister had a dispute with the military personnel while trying to access a land in Abuja.

In the report that surfaced online, Atiku's media aide, Paul Ibe stated that the report claiming that the former Vice President gifted the officer a brand new SUV is false and misleading. Ibe said the report emanated from mischief makers to tarnish the image of Atiku Abubakar.

He however, urged the general public to disregard the report.

Here is what Paul Ibe said according to Vanguard;

“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima or any other individual a brand new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports currently circulating on social media.

"The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public".

"He is Doing His Job and Doing it Greatly Well" — Defence Minister Backs Naval Officer in Heated Clash With Wike Over Abuja Land.

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has declared support for Lieutenant Yerima, the naval officer who clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over a disputed parcel of land allegedly belonging to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd).

Speaking on the incident, Badaru praised the officer’s conduct, describing Yerima as disciplined and dutiful. 

“We will always protect our officer; he has done well. We won’t allow anything to happen to him,” the minister stated. “Any officer on lawful duty will be protected highly. He is doing his job, and doing it greatly well,” Badaru said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The confrontation reportedly occurred on Tuesday when FCT officials attempted to take possession of the disputed land in Abuja. 

A viral video showed soldiers blocking Wike’s convoy, triggering a h+ated verbal exchange between the minister and Lieutenant Yerima.

 Wike accused the soldiers of obstructing government officials from carrying out their duties, while the officer insisted he was acting under lawful orders.

“Because you’re an officer, nobody acquires land illegally!” Wike shouted.
“Sir, we did not carry any land,” Yerima replied.

As the exchange escalated, Wike called the officer “a big fool,” to which Yerima retorted, “I’m not a fool, sir. I am acting on an order.”

Wike vs Soldier: Officer Yerima broke no law – Minister, Matawalle.

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has declared that Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima, the naval officer captured in a viral video engaging in a heated exchange with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike did not break any law.

According to LEADERSHIP, Matawalle made his position known while speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa.

The Minister assured that the officer will not face any disciplinary action, stating that the Lieutenant was respectful while speaking with Wike.

There has been concerns over possible sanctions against officer Yerima after a video of his confrontation with Wike went viral on Tuesday.

Wike had visited a disputed plot of land in Gaduwa District allegedly belonging to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd) but was stopped by the naval officer, leading to a heated exchange.

Addressing the matter, Matawalle said the incident would have occurred if it was handled through proper channels.

“The minister should not have confronted him. Lieutenant Yerima was acting on orders. If Wike had any concerns, he should have spoken to his superiors or to me directly since I oversee naval affairs,” Matawalle said.

The Minister commended Yerima’s composure during the confrontation, describing his conduct as disciplined and professional.

Peter Obi Reacts as Wike Clashes with Soldiers Over Property in Abuja.

According to a report by Punch on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has reacted to the viral video showing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, engaging in a heated confrontation with soldiers in Abuja.

The incident, which occurred on Plot 1946 in the Gaduwa District, involved soldiers allegedly blocking officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) from carrying out their duties. The disputed land is reportedly linked to the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd.)

In a post shared on his official X handle on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Obi described the altercation as “a needless and unfortunate reflection of Nigeria’s growing institutional disorder.”

He said, “The recent altercation between the FCT Minister, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer is yet another unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder in our country. What should ordinarily be a routine civic encounter has, once again, become a national embarrassment — a typical example of what comes out of a disgraced nation.”

Obi noted that the incident raised critical questions about the misuse of state power and the weakening of Nigeria’s institutions.

He asked: “Should the military be used for purely civil operations? If proper protocols were in place, should a Minister’s intervention in such a matter be so indecorous? Shouldn’t there be clear boundaries between administrative authority and the duties of security agencies?”

He further questioned Nigeria’s culture of governance and respect for due process, lamenting the frequent involvement of military personnel in civil disputes. “Why has the culture of due process and civility given way to public spectacle and confrontation? If our institutions worked as they should, would tempers flare in situations that should be handled by procedure and hierarchy?”

Wike: We’ll Defend Every Officer on Lawful Duty, Says Minister of Defence, Badaru.

According to a report by The Nation Nigeria on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reiterated that the Ministry of Defence, alongside the Military High Command, will fully protect any soldier performing their duties lawfully. He gave the assurance during a press conference held on Wednesday at the National Defence College in Abuja, ahead of the Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration and Remembrance Day, 2026.

Badaru’s comments came in response to questions about the recent confrontation in Abuja between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Navy officer, Lieutenant AM Yerima, over the development of a land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd.).

Speaking to journalists, the Defence Minister emphasized that the armed forces are committed to supporting personnel who act within the confines of the law. “At the Ministry of Defence, and indeed across the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers who are carrying out lawful duties,” Badaru stated.

He continued, “We are currently reviewing the matter in question, and I want to assure everyone that any officer performing their responsibilities appropriately and in line with the law will be fully protected. We will ensure that no harm comes to them as long as they are fulfilling their duties responsibly and professionally.”

Wike vs Soldiers: Ordinary President hails Lieutenant Yerima.

The host of Brekete Family, a Human Rights Radio and Television programme, Ahmed Isah, popularly known as “Ordinary President,” has hailed Naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, for his conduct during a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and FCT Administration officials.

He spoke while calling on Wike or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apologize over the Minister’s abusive language on Lt. Yerima.

Speaking on the Brekete Family programme on Wednesday, Ordinary President said: “Nigerians, in case we are deceiving ourselves, it’s not democracy that is holding this country [Nigeria] together.

“If the military decides to remove its hands from the matter that concerns this country, all of us are finished. I am not supporting the military to intimidate people, and I will not support the military being disrespected.

“What happened yesterday, that soldier that stood there [Lt. Yerima was representing Tinubu and Nigerians, and Wike disrespected him, and the people around Wike cannot advise him.

“I was expecting Wike to tender an apology since yesterday, and up till now, he has not apologized. This Lieutenant Yerima is the true reflection of the discipline our Nigerian military has. Let’s appreciate him.

“He respectfully neutralized the situation. Lieutenant Yerima, we are proud of you; you made the military proud and Nigerians proud. We are waiting for Wike to tender an unreserved apology.

“If Wike doesn’t apologize, Tinubu must apologize on his behave. We demand that you apologize. This is getting too much; people around him should advise him. Go and see El-Rufai, where is El-Rufai today?”