Fresh Clarifications Emerge as FCT Police Dismiss Assassination Attempt Claim
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has refuted online reports alleging an assassination attempt on Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, describing the claims as baseless and misleading.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said no such incident was reported or documented in any part of the FCT.
“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement read.
Adeh urged residents to disregard the rumour and avoid circulating unverified information capable of causing unnecessary tension. She also encouraged the public to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
The clarification follows heightened speculation after earlier reports linked the alleged incident to Yerima’s recent confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land parcel in the Gaduwa District of Abuja. The plot is said to belong to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd).
Videos widely shared on social media captured Yerima, who was on security assignment, preventing the minister’s convoy from entering the contested site. Wike had accused Gambo of undertaking illegal construction and criticised Yerima for allegedly obstructing officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority deployed to halt the work.
The exchange sparked intense public debate, with some observers insisting that the minister acted within his statutory mandate, while others—including several retired military officers—defended Yerima and demanded an apology from Wike.
Offering further reassurance, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, stated that no military officer engaged in legitimate duty would face disciplinary action.
“We will always protect officers on lawful duty,” he said during a briefing ahead of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
