Ex-Chief Of Naval Staff Gambo Scammed In Abuja Land Deal — Wike’s Aide Alleges Fraud And Illegal Occupation
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has become the stage for yet another controversial land dispute as revelations emerge that former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd.), was allegedly defrauded in a land transaction involving a disputed plot in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.
The allegation was made by Mr. Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who described the deal as both fraudulent and unlawful.
According to Olayinka, the disputed plot Plot 1946, Gaduwa was originally allocated in 2007 to Santos Estate Limited for park and recreation purposes, not for residential or commercial use. Despite this clear designation, the company reportedly subdivided and sold portions of the land, one of which allegedly ended up in the possession of the former naval chief.
“The former Chief of Naval Staff was scammed; he bought land that was never legally transferable. Unfortunately, instead of pursuing justice through the courts, he allegedly deployed military personnel to guard the property,” Olayinka said.
The FCTA stated that it has no record of any valid title or building approval in Admiral Gambo’s name for the property in question. Officials further claimed that during an enforcement visit to the site on Tuesday, November 11, the minister’s team was blocked by armed personnel, reportedly naval officers, prompting the minister himself to intervene.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, in a widely circulated video, condemned the incident, warning that no individual no matter how highly placed is above the law.
“You cannot use the military to intimidate government officials. This is the FCT, not a personal territory. Every Nigerian, regardless of position, must obey the law,” Wike said.
The incident has reignited debate over illegal land acquisitions, abuse of power, and systemic fraud within Abuja’s land administration system. It also underscores the Wike-led FCTA’s renewed drive to reclaim public lands and enforce the city’s original master plan.
As of press time, Admiral Gambo has yet to issue an official statement responding to the allegations.
Meanwhile, the FCTA has vowed to investigate the chain of transactions behind the Gaduwa plot and collaborate with security agencies to determine the involvement of armed personnel at the disputed site.
