The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has denied reports that a Nigerian Navy officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, describing the claims as false and unverified.
The denial followed posts on social media and some news outlets suggesting that Yerima was trailed by unidentified men in black, travelling in two unmarked Hilux vans along Kubwa Expressway and Gado Nasco Way.
The reports claimed that the officer evaded the pursuers through a “strategic manoeuvre” during a high-speed chase and linked the alleged incident to his recent confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land allocation.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the claims were entirely false.
“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 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,” the statement read.
The Police Public Relations Officer urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police division.