Wike: Police Speak on Reported Assassination Attempt on Military Officer Yerima Amid Tension
- The FCT police command has reacted to the trailing of Lieutenant Ahmad Yarima by unidentified persons in two unmarked Hilux vans in Kubwa
- Military sources reportedly disclosed that the incident, which saw the occupants of the vehicles trailing the viral Navy officer, is being investigated
- Spokesperson of the police command, SP Josephine Adeh, dismissed swirling reports that Lt. Yerima had survived an assassination attempt in Abuja
Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
FCT, Abuja - The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reacted to reports that Navy Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja.
Initial reports from multiple news platforms claimed Yerima was trailed by two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, prompting a high-speed chase and a 'tactical manoeuvre' that allegedly saved his life.
Source: TikTok
The report quoted military sources who said the vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 16.
The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving 'the seriousness it deserves', noting that further details were being withheld so as not to compromise the process.
The development comes days after Yerima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with the federal capital territory (FCT) minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District.
The clash, captured on viral videos, sparked widespread public debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently halted the demolition exercise at the site.
Police debunk assassination attempt on Yerima
Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson of the FCT police command, asserted late Sunday, November 16, that 'no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory', according to The Punch.
Vanguard also noted the police's rebuttal.
In a post on X, Adeh said:
"The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic."
Source: Facebook
What happened between Lt. Yerima and Wike?
Videos of the incident show that Wike was confronted by Yerima, who led soldiers deployed to prevent FCT officials from carrying out a demolition exercise on the contested site.
The FCT Minister demanded that the soldiers provide documents to justify their presence on the site, noting that no one, regardless of rank, is above the law.
In response, Yerima said his team was acting on orders and that his principals had the necessary land documents.
Abuja commentator warns against anarchy
Meanwhile, Salihu Umar, an Abuja-based public commentator, believes the assassination rumours were being deliberately peddled.
"Someone is clearly baiting the military into anarchy. There is an unmistakable element of manufactured outrage in this Wike–Yerima saga.
"In hindsight, I found the reactions from Irabor, Buratai, Badaru and Matawalle troubling; they should be toning down the rhetoric, not amplifying it, cos [sic] situations like this should never be escalated unnecessarily.
"Media houses reporting that Lt. Yerima was targeted for assassination is both premature & reckless & irresponsible, especially without any investigation.
"We must not use this fine young officer, with his entire career ahead of him, as a pawn in any plot to destabilise this country."
Read more similar stories:
- Abuja: Lt. Yerima Speaks on Why Military Officers Won't Kill Wike, FCTA Officials, Others
- "Unruly and Arrogant": Wike Blasts Gallant Naval Officer Who Confronted Him in Abuja
- VP Shettima's Top Aide Mentions Whose Right Between Wike and Gallant Naval Officer
- After Yerima's clash with Wike, man makes decision about his young son's future: "I won't mind"
Police arrest suspects in Abuja killings
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the FCT police command had arrested 12 members of a notorious armed robbery gang allegedly responsible for the death of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami.
The arrests followed a directive from Ajao Adewale, the commissioner of police, FCT, to swiftly apprehend those behind the fatal robbery. Operatives of the Scorpion Squad acted on intelligence to track and apprehend the suspects across multiple locations in the north.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
