The Nigerian Navy officer Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima, who defied Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike during a heated altercation in Abuja, has suddenly gained national attention.
What started off as a normal stop-work order enforcement on November 11, 2025, in Gaduwa District quickly turned into a nationally viral yelling match.
Many have praised Yerima’s calm defiance in the face of ministerial rage as an example of self-control, bravery, and professional integrity.
Background
Lieutenant A.M. Yerima was born and reared in Kaduna, an area known for generating leaders who are disciplined and resilient. As is typical for active-duty soldiers, information about his personal life is kept confidential, but others who know him describe him as a guy of quiet strength, keen intelligence, and unflinching dedication.
Join our WhatsApp community
Yerima, a son of Northern Nigeria and a devout Muslim, started school in 2011 at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria before moving on to the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna. He received the demanding training that transforms civilians into commissioned officers there. Yerima joined a force committed to defending the country’s maritime domain in a difficult naval theatre after graduating and being commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy.
A Rising Star in the Nigerian Navy
Yerima is a junior officer with significant operational responsibility as a Lieutenant, a rank that is comparable to an Army Captain. He has served on the NNS Kada, a cutting-edge Thunder-class patrol ship used for maritime security, anti-piracy operations, and safeguarding Nigeria’s crucial oil infrastructure in the Gulf of Guinea. He is described as a “seasoned professional” with outstanding leadership qualities by coworkers and internet supporters. He was well-prepared to handle high-pressure circumstances thanks to his extensive training at the NDA and subsequent operational exposure; this was demonstrated during his interaction with Minister Wike.
The Viral Confrontation: “I Am Not a Fool, Sir”
The incident occurred at Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, which is purportedly held by former Chief of Naval Staff (2021–2023) and retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo. Minister Wike arrived to impose a stop-work order, alleging the land lacked the necessary building approvals and documentation. He was accompanied by FCT authorities and security. Lt. Yerima and other naval men were stationed to guard the property.
What followed was a tense, heated verbal exchange. Wike demanded access and accused the officers of land grabbing. In a highly charged moment, he referred to Yerima as a “fool.” Totally unprovoked, the lieutenant delivered a firm retort: “I am not a fool, sir. I am acting on orders from above.” He maintained his composure throughout, insisting the land was legally acquired and flatly refusing to be silenced. “You cannot shut me up,” he declared. The impasse only de-escalated after Minister Wike contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, but the exchange had already been captured on video and had gone viral across social media platforms.
Join our WhatsApp community
National Hero or Target of Reprisal?
The video quickly gained millions of views on X (previously Twitter) in a matter of hours. Nigerians praised Yerima’s courage and poise. Prominent voices joined the praise.
As an homage, VeryDarkMan (VDM) offered $1,000 and described him as a “brave young soldier born with honour.”
Similarly, Professor Farooq Kperogi praised his “infinite maturity” in contrast to Wike’s “arrogance.”
Veterans of the armed forces denounced the Minister’s actions as extremely insulting to a uniformed officer, calling for an apology and threatening protests in the event that Yerima was punished.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
