Yerima Was Wrong to Stop Wike on Duty, Opines Ex-NBA President Daudu

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu (SAN), has stated that Naval Lieutenant A.M. Yerima was wrong to obstruct Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike while he was carrying out an official duty, adding a fresh legal perspective to the widely debated Abuja land-dispute confrontation.

Daudu, speaking in a recent interview, maintained that once a minister is performing statutory oversight, no security operative — including a military officer acting under orders — has the legal authority to block or counteract that duty. According to him, Yerima’s actions amounted to an improper interference with lawful civil authority. His comment comes days after a viral confrontation in Gaduwa, Abuja, where Wike was denied access to a disputed land parcel by Lt. Yerima, who insisted he was acting under instructions from superior officers. The altercation, captured on video, sparked nationwide conversations about civil-military relations, respect for uniformed personnel, and the conduct of public officials. Daudu’s position, however, contrasts sharply with the Defence Ministry’s stance. The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, publicly backed Lt. Yerima, describing him as an officer who “acted within the law” and assuring that the military would protect personnel carrying out their duties. Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle also defended the naval officer, stressing that he obeyed lawful directives and maintained discipline throughout the encounter. Human rights groups and legal experts remain divided. Some argue the officer should face disciplinary action, insisting that no military order can override constitutional authority vested in a minister. Others contend that Wike escalated the situation unnecessarily and should have followed administrative channels instead of engaging directly with an officer on the field. The incident has prompted calls for a thorough, independent investigation to determine the legality of construction on the disputed property, the orders issued to Lt. Yerima, and whether any party exceeded their mandate. Civil-military analysts warn that the outcome of the probe could shape future interactions between civilian officeholders and security personnel. As tensions simmer, Daudu’s intervention has intensified debate, placing renewed focus on the boundaries of ministerial authority, the scope of military obedience, and the urgent need for clarity in handling property enforcement operations in the FCT.