Former Niger Delta militant leader and activist, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, has called for the immediate court-martial of a senior naval officer involved in a public confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.
The altercation occurred at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, where Minister Wike and officials of the FCT Administration were reportedly obstructed by Lt. A.M. Yerima, who claimed to be acting on the orders of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.). The officer allegedly blocked access to the property and engaged Wike in a heated exchange.
In a video shared on his official Facebook page, Asari Dokubo condemned the officer’s conduct, stating: “I’m not taking sides with Wike, I’m taking sides with what is the law, the rule, and the convention. What happened yesterday, in any sane society, that person would be reprimanded and detained.”
He emphasized that the officer’s actions were unprofessional, unlawful, and undermined civilian authority, calling for disciplinary action through a formal court-martial.
The incident has reignited concerns over the boundaries of military involvement in civil matters. Analysts warn that such confrontations could erode public trust in the armed forces and disrupt the delicate balance between military discipline and democratic governance.
As of this release, the Nigerian Navy and the Ministry of Defence have not issued an official statement regarding the incident or the calls for disciplinary action. The FCT Administration has also remained silent on whether legal steps will be taken to reclaim the disputed land.
Asari Dokubo urged the Federal Government and military authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that officers act within their constitutional limits. He reiterated that no individual, regardless of rank or affiliation, should obstruct the lawful duties of elected officials.