Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has refuted circulating claims that AM Yerima, the naval officer recently involved in an altercation with Nyesom Wike, escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja.
Gatekeepers News reports that several online reports on Sunday alleged that Yerima was pursued by unidentified men dressed in black and travelling in two unmarked Hilux vans. The supposed chase reportedly began around 6:30 pm near the NIPCO filling station along the Kubwa expressway and continued through Gado–NASCO Road.
The reports further claimed that the officer managed to get away through a “strategic manoeuvre” during what they described as a high-speed pursuit.
However, the police say the incident was misrepresented. According to the command, Yerima was driving a vehicle with tinted windows when officers on duty in the Kubwa axis stopped him for identification. After confirming his identity, he was allowed to continue on his way.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT police command, dismissed the alleged assassination attempt as “false” and “unverified.”
“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima,” the statement said.
“The command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory.
“The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.”
In a follow-up statement, the police said: “On 16th November 2025 at about 06:15 p.m., a Police patrol team, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation at NNPC Junction along Kubwa Expressway, intercepted an ash-coloured Toyota Camry driven with a concealed number plate and fully tinted windows.
“In line with standard operational procedure, officers approached the vehicle and politely requested for the occupant’s identity, along with an explanation for the concealments.
“The occupant, however, refused to identify himself, proceeded to make several calls, and wound up his tinted windows, declining to engage with the police team.
“A few minutes later, three naval personnel arrived the location and cordially identified the occupant of the vehicle as their colleague.
“They were also observed taking video and picture footage of the encounter before leaving.
“Following this confirmation, the Police team allowed the vehicle to proceed.
“The patrol team then continued its operations peacefully and without any further incident. It is however surprising to wake up to maliciously crafted tales and worst of all allegations of assassination.”
Lt. Yerima has been in the spotlight since November 11, when he led a team of soldiers who clashed with Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja. The heated exchange went viral, inspiring a wave of social media reactions and comedy skits.
