Ex-Naval Chief Tricked in Abuja Land Deal, Says Wike’s Aide

Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Publicity and Communications to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has explained the reason behind Tuesday’s altercation between the minister and a naval officer in Abuja.

Speaking on Wednesday, Olayinka said the confrontation stemmed from a land dispute involving a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd), who was allegedly deceived into purchasing land that was never meant for residential or commercial use.

According to him, the disputed property, located in the Mabushi area of Abuja, was originally allocated in 2007 to a company known as Santos Estate Limited for park and recreation purposes. However, the company neither developed the land nor adhered to its approved use because it was a parkway and road corridor where construction was prohibited.

He explained that in 2022, Santos Estate applied to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to change the land’s purpose from park to commercial use, but the request was denied by the then FCT minister. Despite the rejection, the company allegedly divided the land and sold sections to private individuals, including the retired naval officer.

Olayinka stated that Gambo fell victim to the fraudulent transaction and later tried to assert ownership using his military background instead of seeking legal redress. He added that the land was never approved for residential buildings, as the Mabushi district was mapped out for public and corporate structures.

The aide said the former naval chief had no valid ownership documents or approved building plans for the property. He pointed out that before any land development can take place in the FCT, the owner must obtain proper authorization, including a building plan approved by the Development Control Department — a process which, according to him, was never followed by the retired officer.

Olayinka also questioned whether Gambo had submitted a building plan to the appropriate authority for approval before starting development on the land. He maintained that the retired naval chief’s claim to the property had no legal basis.

The explanation followed a viral video showing Minister Wike in a heated exchange with naval personnel guarding the disputed site. The incident has generated wide discussions about land administration, civil-military relations, and the use of influence in the Federal Capital Territory.

Efforts to reach Vice Admiral Gambo for a response were unsuccessful as of press time.