Olushola Omogbehin
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismissed social media report of an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima, the Nigerian Navy officer, who confronted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, over a land issue in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, SP Josephine Adeh who said no such incident was reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory.
She therefore admonished the public to disregard the information as false and stop spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.
“For the safety of all residents, the Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Division. You may also reach the Command Headquarters through our emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311 for prompt response,” she said.
In the reports which stated that the pursuit began around 6:30 p.m. at the NIPCO filling station along the Kubwa Expressway and continued to Gado Nasco Way, Yerima reportedly escaped the through a “strategic manoeuvre” during a high-speed chase.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, has said that Yerima will not be punished for any offence concerning the issue between him and Wike.
In an interview with DCL Hausa, monitored in Gusau by The Guardian, the minister dismissed public assertions that the soldier might face disciplinary action, noting the incident was being exaggerated.
He explained that the Defence Ministry values mutual respect between civil authorities and the military and that the matter has been resolved without any need for punitive measures.
