Outrage as Wike Bans Phone Use by AGIS Staff After Viral Video Clash with Naval Officer

By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News

ABUJA — Nigeria News Today: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reportedly ordered a blanket ban on mobile phone use among staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration, following the circulation of a viral video showing his heated confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja.

The controversial directive, contained in an internal memo obtained by SaharaReporters, affects all officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below, barring them from entering office premises with mobile phones effective Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Memo Confirms the Directive

The memo, signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Head of AGIS, reads in part:

“There shall be a ban on the use of mobile phones within the office premises for all officers on Salary Grade Level (SGL) 14 and below. Affected staff are not permitted to enter the premises with their mobile phones henceforth.”

Sources told reporters that the directive followed Wike’s outrage after AGIS staff allegedly shared the viral video of his confrontation with Lt. AM Yerima, a naval officer guarding a disputed land in Gaduwa District, Abuja.

Reactions Trail Wike’s ‘Phone Ban’

The move has triggered widespread condemnation from labour unions and civil society groups who described the ban as “draconian, undemocratic, and anti-labour.”

“It’s absurd that in 2025, a public office bans phones because of a viral video. This is not governance; it’s paranoia in power,” said a human rights activist in Abuja.

Many critics accused the minister of trying to suppress transparency within the FCT Administration and curtail staff freedom of expression.

NANS Condemns Wike Over Viral Video Incident

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also condemned Wike’s verbal assault on the naval officer captured in the viral clip. In a statement signed by Comrade Atiku Isah, the group’s National President, NANS described the incident as “disgraceful and unbecoming of a minister.”

“The officer was carrying out a lawful order from his superior and does not deserve to be insulted,” the statement read. “The composure and restraint of the officer show how disciplined the military is.”

NANS further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution Wike, warning that the student body would not tolerate the continued humiliation of public servants and uniformed officers.

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