A social media post by commentator Adedamola Adetayo (@BalogunKakanfo1) has sparked outrage after allegations surfaced that a young military officer, identified as Lt. A.M. Yerima, forcefully prevented civil servants from performing their lawful duties on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to Adetayo, the incident involved Lt. Yerima, believed to be a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army and likely a graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), which would put his age around 25. Adetayo condemned the officer’s actions as “high insolence,” “grave indiscipline,” and a “show of undermining duly constituted government authority.”
The commentator drew parallels between the incident and what he described as a growing pattern of uniformed officers openly defying civil authority. He referenced a previous case involving a police officer who reportedly challenged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, warning that such behaviour erodes respect for democratic governance.
“When a soldier does anything to undermine civil authority, it is as good as a coup d’état,” Adetayo wrote, calling on the Service Chiefs and the Commander-in-Chief to take decisive action.
He further demanded that retired Admiral Gambo, who allegedly issued the unlawful order, along with any serving commanders who supported or equipped the officer, should face disciplinary measures.
Adetayo’s statement has stirred intense debate online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over what they see as a dangerous precedent and a potential breakdown in the chain of command and civil-military relations.
“The guns of the soldiers and policemen must never be seen as mightier than the rule of law,” he cautioned.
As of press time, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Army or the Ministry of Defence regarding the allegations.
