Femi Falana Tells Tinubu to Make Wike Apologize to Assaulted Naval Officer

By Peter.

Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to issue a public apology for using abusive language against Naval Officer A.M. Yerima during a heated land dispute in Asokoro, Abuja.

Speaking at the University of Abuja Faculty of Law Legal Year ceremony on Thursday, organized by LAWSAN, Falana condemned both parties for taking the law into their own hands but singled out Wike’s conduct as unbecoming of a public official.

“No minister has the right to call any Nigerian a fool. The President should compel an apology. Wike was lucky he wasn’t shot.” — Femi Falana, SAN

While acknowledging Wike’s legal authority under Section 11 of the Land Use Act to revoke the plot, Falana criticized his lack of restraint and decorum, citing a Ghanaian case where a minister was forced to apologize for insulting a citizen.

He also rebuked Yerima for blocking lawful demolition under “superior orders,” calling it illegal, but praised the officer’s professionalism in not escalating the situation.

The Incident

Wike’s team moved to demolish structures on Plot 2241 over unpaid infrastructure levies.
Yerima physically obstructed them, claiming naval authority—an action Falana deemed unlawful.
Wike reportedly berated and insulted the officer, calling him a “fool”—captured in a viral video.

Matawalle Defends Officer

Defence Minister of State Bello Matawalle countered Falana, stating there is no grounds to punish Yerima, who acted on valid naval instructions. The matter is being handled internally by the Navy.

Falana’s Other Key Remarks

Ekweremadu Transfer: Questioned FG’s push to bring Ike Ekweremadu home from UK prison while ignoring 232 other Nigerian inmates in Britain.

“No UK citizen is jailed in Nigeria—why the selective treatment?” Vowed to challenge the prisoner exchange legally.
Digital Justice: Urged law students to master virtual hearings and e-filing, now standard in Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda.
“Senior Advocate of the Masses”: Honored by LAWSAN, Falana dedicated the title to ordinary Nigerians seeking justice.