Former Army Spokesperson, General Mohammed M. Yerima, has been identified as the father of Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, the naval officer who recently clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a heated confrontation in Abuja.
General Mohammed M. Yerima served as the Director of Army Public Relations under the late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, taking over the role from Brigadier General Sagir Musa.
He joined the Nigerian Army in October 1989 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Education) from Ahmadu Bello University.
Recall that the confrontation occurred on Tuesday at the Gaduwa District in Abuja, where Minister Wike confronted military officers over an alleged land-grabbing incident.
A video that has since gone viral shows Wike being stopped by armed personnel led by Lt. Yerima, who refused to grant the minister access to the disputed site.
Eyewitnesses said the confrontation escalated when Wike questioned why the military was claiming ownership of a property allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
During the exchange, Lt. Yerima defended his actions, insisting that he was acting lawfully and with integrity.
An angry Wike reportedly ordered the young officer to “shut up,” to which Yerima replied, “I will not shut up.”
“You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school,” Wike retorted.
“I am not a fool, sir,” the officer responded firmly. “I am acting on orders.”
The incident has sparked widespread debate about civil–military relations and the rule of law in Nigeria.
A legal practitioner, Akinyemi Rahman, described the situation as “an abuse of force,” warning that “using armed personnel to obstruct a minister’s official duty is dangerous and unacceptable.”
In contrast, the Coalition of Military Veterans has condemned Wike’s behaviour, calling it “disgraceful and unbecoming of a public office holder.”
The group cautioned against any punitive action against Lt. Yerima, urging restraint and due process.
