ABUJA, Nigeria — Lt. Ahmed Yerima, the young naval officer who previously clashed with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and lashed out at police officers by telling them to “shut up” and declaring, “I am talking and a policeman is talking,” is now at the center of a controversy over a stop‑and‑search encounter that the FCT Police Command insists was routine and misrepresented.
The incident occurred on 16 Nov. 2025 at about 6:15 p.m., when a police patrol team intercepted an ash‑colored Toyota Camry with a concealed license plate and fully tinted windows. Officers said they approached the vehicle in line with standard procedure and requested the driver’s identity.
Yerima, according to police, was belligerent and bluntly refused to cooperate. He rolled up his tinted windows, made several phone calls and declined to engage with the patrol team, ignoring repeated requests for identification.
Minutes later, three naval personnel arrived at the scene and identified Yerima as their colleague. Witnesses said they recorded video and photographs of the encounter before leaving. Following the confirmation, police allowed the vehicle to proceed and resumed their operations without further incident.
Despite the routine nature of the stop, online publications later alleged that Yerima had been attacked or targeted for assassination. The Command rejected those claims, calling them “maliciously crafted tales.”
Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye urged residents and visitors in Abuja to cooperate with officers during lawful duties and warned against spreading unverified reports that could create fear and apprehension.
The episode highlights a recurring challenge in Nigeria: routine police check often spark suspicion and viral speculation, fueled by the absence of independent documentation. Analysts say the controversy underscores the need for greater transparency, including the possible adoption of body‑worn cameras for police officers. Such technology, already in use in many countries, could provide verifiable records of encounters, reduce misinformation and strengthen public trust in law enforcement.
