The Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the altercation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and some soldiers over a disputed land in Abuja.
Olayinka explained that the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd.), was scammed in a land transaction and, instead of seeking official help, resorted to using military force to assert his claim.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Olayinka said the disputed property was not formally allocated to the former naval chief. “That particular land was allocated to a company in 2007, Santos Estate Limited, for park and recreation. The company did not do anything on the land because that place is a road corridor, you don’t build there,” he said.
He added that in 2022, Santos Estate Limited applied to the FCT Development Authority (FCTDA) to convert the land to commercial use. “Probably in anticipation of the Minister’s approval, the company began partitioning the land originally meant for park and recreation and sold it to people, including the former Chief of Naval Staff,” Olayinka explained.
Tensions Flare as Wike Clashes With Military Officer Over Alleged Land Grab in Abuja
Alleged Scam and Military Intervention
Olayinka emphasised that the former naval chief was a victim of a scam. “He has realised that he was scammed. Instead of coming forward to seek help, he resorted to using military might,” the aide said, highlighting the escalation that led to the confrontation with Minister Wike.
The incident sparked discussions about due process, the responsibilities of public officials, and the need for legal avenues in resolving land disputes.
The FCT government maintains that the land’s conversion from recreational to commercial use must follow legal procedures, and any unilateral occupation or use of force will not be condoned. Sources within the FCT Ministry said authorities are reviewing the matter to ensure compliance with planning and zoning regulations.
Experts say the confrontation underscores ongoing challenges in Abuja’s real estate and land management sector, including disputes over allocation, ownership, and conversion of land uses. Legal analysts suggest the matter could set a precedent for handling similar cases involving high-profile individuals.Olayinka’s explanation adds context to the incident, framing it as a combination of a commercial scam and mismanagement rather than a dispute solely involving military action.
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