The Senior Special Assistant on Publicity and Communications to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Lere Olayinka, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the recent confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd.), over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.
According to Mr. Olayinka, the altercation stemmed from a land scam in which the retired naval officer was allegedly misled into believing he had legal ownership of a plot originally designated for park and recreation purposes. The land, located in the Gaduwa District of Abuja, was initially allocated in 2007 to Santos Estate Limited for non-residential development. However, the company reportedly attempted to convert the land for commercial use, contrary to its original designation.
“The land in question is a parkway and road corridor. It was never meant for residential or commercial buildings,” Olayinka stated during an interview on Channels Television. “Unfortunately, the former naval chief was scammed by the company and, rather than seek redress through legal means, resorted to military force to assert control over the land.”
The incident escalated when Minister Wike and officials from the FCT Administration were denied access to the site by armed personnel allegedly acting under the retired officer’s directive. The standoff has since drawn national attention, with former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), warning that such confrontations pose a threat to national security and undermine civil authority.
Mr. Olayinka emphasized that the FCT Administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting Abuja’s urban development plans. He urged all parties to respect the city’s master plan and pursue grievances through appropriate legal channels.
The FCT Minister’s office has reiterated its stance against illegal land acquisition and vowed to reclaim all public spaces encroached upon under false pretenses.