Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, was on Tuesday prevented by armed soldiers from accessing a disputed parcel of land in the Gaduwa district of Abuja, allegedly owned by retired Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, a former Chief of Naval Staff.

The incident, which briefly caused tension, occurred when Wike and a team of senior FCT officials arrived at the site for an inspection amid ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal land allocations and unauthorized developments across the territory.

Eyewitnesses said that shortly after the minister’s convoy arrived, a group of armed military personnel at the site stopped Wike’s team from gaining access. The soldiers reportedly told the FCT task force that they were acting on orders to “secure the property” on behalf of the retired admiral.

A heated exchange followed, during which Wike expressed anger at the obstruction, insisting that no individual military or civilian was above the law. He accused the soldiers of intimidation and vowed that the FCTA would enforce land use regulations in all parts of the capital, regardless of the status of those involved.

“This is not a military barracks. This is Abuja land that falls under the jurisdiction of the FCT Administration. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, can defy the laws of the Federal Capital Territory,” Wike was quoted as saying.

Sources within the FCTA said the land in question was under investigation for lacking valid development approvals and was marked for enforcement action.

To prevent the confrontation from escalating, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, reportedly intervened via phone call, appealing to both parties to allow due process to take its course.

Following the intervention, Wike’s team was barred from inspecting the site, but the minister maintained that the FCTA would not back down in its mission to reclaim illegally acquired lands and ensure compliance with Abuja’s master plan.

The incident shows the growing tension between the FCTA and powerful individuals accused of violating land regulations, as Wike continues his aggressive drive to sanitize land administration in the capital city.

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The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has withdrawn his earlier decision to call witnesses in his ongoing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting that there are no valid charges against him.

The development occurred on Monday during a resumed hearing of his terrorism-related trial before Justice James Omotosho, where Kanu declared that the Nigerian government had failed to establish any competent case requiring a defence.

Kanu, who had previously filed a formal application to summon witnesses, told the court that he no longer saw the need, stating: “No competent charge exists against me.”

The IPOB leader argued that he had been subjected to an unjust process, maintaining that the prosecution’s evidence fell short of proving the allegations brought against him.

In response, Justice Omotosho directed Kanu to put his new position in writing and formally serve it on the prosecution for record purposes. The judge also advised him to seek legal counsel from criminal law experts to understand the implications of waiving his right to defence.

The court adjourned the matter to November 4th, 5th, and 6th for both the defence and prosecution to file their final written addresses ahead of judgment.

Recall that Kanu had earlier named several high-profile individuals as potential witnesses in his defence, including former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Others listed were Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former NIA Director-General Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and former DSS Director-General Yusuf Bichi.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday joined the Body of Benchers’ procession during the Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja, as his son, Jordan Wike, was formally admitted into the Nigerian Bar.

The minister was accompanied by his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, as the family marked the proud occasion.

Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the development in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he also shared photos of the family.

“Happy Dad and Mum. FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, with their son, Jordan, who is to be called to Bar today,” Olayinka wrote.

A video also showed the minister taking part in the Body of Benchers’ procession, highlighting the ceremonial significance of the day.

The Call to Bar is a major event in Nigeria’s legal calendar, where new lawyers are officially admitted after completing training at the Nigerian Law School.

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The Presidency on Friday held a dialogue with the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) as part of efforts to end the movement of cows through the streets of Abuja’s city centre.

The meeting, convened at the instance of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is Chairman of MACBAN’s Board of Trustees, and the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, brought together stakeholders and leaders of the association from Abuja and surrounding states.

Speaking at the forum, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, said the Tinubu administration remained committed to addressing challenges faced by pastoralists.

“We are here for a stakeholder engagement meeting to let livestock stakeholders understand the efforts being made by the administration of President Tinubu. We are working on grazing reserves, ranches, and Special Agro Industrial Processing Zones. We are also reviving grazing reserves and providing feeds, water, veterinary clinics and other amenities for pastoralists,” he said.

Also, Dr. Balarabe Kakale, Special Assistant to the Minister of Education on Almajiri and Out-of-School-Children Education, said the meeting considered how the Federal Ministry of Education’s initiatives could support pastoralist communities.

He noted that pastoralists expressed readiness to move into designated grazing reserves in the FCT, provided necessary amenities such as water, power, veterinary services, and nomadic schools are available.

MACBAN’s National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, said the dialogue specifically addressed concerns about cattle roaming the city centre and the education of pastoralist children.

“Out of about 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, we believe 80 percent are from pastoralist families. We want to make Abuja a model and see how solutions here can be replicated,” he said.

Othman-Ngelzarma added that a committee would be established to work on practical measures to stop cattle movement in Abuja’s streets.

The dialogue ended with a resolution by stakeholders to collaborate with government on sustainable grazing solutions and inclusive education programmes for pastoralist families.

Report from News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

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The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Wuye District, Abuja, has concluded the 2025 edition of its Prize for Academic and Behavioural Excellence, an annual initiative aimed at rewarding hard work, discipline, integrity, and scholastic achievement among children of the parish.

Prizes and certificates of recognition were formally presented to winners during a brief ceremony held after Sunday Mass.

Now in its third year, the initiative was introduced in 2023 to extend the traditional role of fathers in guiding their children beyond individual homes and into the wider parish community. The prize also serves as encouragement for children whose fathers may not be present, ensuring they receive mentorship and recognition within the Church family.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jude Nnadozie, President of the CMO of St. Agnes Parish, stressed the need for continued guidance in children’s lives.

“As fathers, we shape our children by guiding their academic, moral, and spiritual growth, while also leading by example. Beyond our individual homes, the CMO makes us one fatherhood, and the parish our family. We must therefore extend the same guidance and leadership to build a stronger faith community. This annual exercise helps us achieve that,” he said.

Highlights of the 2025 edition included:

– Recognition of over 50 children who participated in the summer academic excellence program.

– A brief talk on Dyslexia, emphasizing that less-than-excellent academic performance does not define a child’s potential or future success.

– Presentation of prizes and certificates of excellence to three winners each from the primary, secondary, and tertiary categories.

– A symbolic toast to the 2025/2026 academic year, encouraging students to sustain their efforts and contribute meaningfully to society.

The event enjoyed full support from Rev. Fr. Godwin Oje, the Parish Priest, as well as the Parish Council and the Catholic Women Organisation, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to education, moral upbringing, and nation-building.

About the CMO

The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) is the umbrella body of all adult Catholic men in parishes across Nigeria, with structures at parish, diocesan, provincial, and national levels.

The CMO fosters spiritual growth, moral discipline, and active participation in the Church, while also extending mentorship and support to families and children.

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