When naval officer Lt. A.M. Yerima stood firm against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in a now-viral confrontation, many Nigerians watched in awe...
When naval officer Lt. A.M. Yerima stood firm against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in a now-viral confrontation, many Nigerians watched in awe. But behind the viral moment lies years of discipline, character, and familiar nicknames. One of his ex-classmates even revealed that at Ahmadu Bello Universit,y he was known as “MD”. Little did those classmates know that this lanky first-year student who “had a way with girls” would become a national symbol of courage. (Just like how comedian Bovi once surprised Nigeria by shifting from skits to serious advocacy, Yerima’s leap from student to soldier grabbed attention.)
When the video of Lt. A.M. Yerima standing his ground against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike erupted on social media, many saw it as a bold officer vs a powerful politician moment. But as his old classmates are now telling us, the story runs deeper than the clip.
The Viral Encounter
The pressure-filled scene played out in Abuja’s Gaduwa district, when officials from the FCT-Administration arrived at a disputed plot (Plot 1946) said to be linked to a retired Chief of Naval Staff. The minister’s team was stopped by armed naval officers led by Lt. Yerima, who insisted he was acting on orders from “a three-star general”. When Wike called him a “fool”, Yerima’s calm but unshaken reply was: “I’m not a fool sir. I am a commissioned officer.
Instantly, the video lit up Twitter, ,X and Facebook, and Nigerians began dissecting every line, every stance.
School Days: “MD” at ABU
One of his classmates, Aliyu Jalal, revealed that Yerima entered the Faculty of Social Sciences at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in 2011, studying Mass Communication before moving into the military academy. Jalal wrote:
“We called him MD back in ABU. Born and raised in Kaduna. We got admitted into the Faculty of Social Sciences the same year — 2011. He used to be tall and lanky. Had a way with girls.”
The nickname “MD” stuck. It wasn’t official, but to the classmates it marked someone already standing out.
Secondary School and Roots
Meanwhile, a secondary-school peer revealed that Lt. Yerima was his junior at Victory Comprehensive College in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, where Yerima once served as social prefect. The post read:
“Yerima was my classmate… he was the social prefect then. Now he's a celebrity, trending everywhere
Another classmate pointed out:
“He was born and bred in Elelenwo. He once lived in my father’s one-room apartment.
From Port Harcourt to Kaduna to Abuja, the background builds a picture of a young man with ambition, local roots and character.
Character & Conduct Under Pressure
Others who’ve known him since the military days describe him as fearless and unwavering. One farmer summarised:
“I have known Yerima since 2015 and can confidently tell you he’s one of the most fearless cadets. He cannot be intimidated by anybody regardless of their influence.
And after the confrontation, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, weighed in:
“Lt. Yerima did not break any law or military regulation.
For many, this combination of respect and refusal to yield has become emblematic of what they believe a Nigerian officer should be.
Why Nigerians Are Fond of His Story
In Nigeria these days a viral moment can make or break reputations—but Yerima’s moment struck a chord because it echoed something deeper: the everyday Nigerian yearning for someone to stand firm when the odds are stacked. Think of when footballer Victor Osimhen refused to bend to pressure or when actor-activist Ruth Kadiri launched a campaign to stand up for underrepresented women. Yerima’s tale is simply the military version: young, disciplined, rising.
But it’s not just about heroics
There’s also the question of structure. Some observers note:
“The minister should not have confronted him. Lieutenant Yerima was acting on orders.” (Matawalle)
This raises deeper debates about civilian-military boundaries, respect, chain of command, and how authority plays out in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
What Happens Next
Social media has exploded with reactions. Some call for Yerima’s promotion, others worry about potential backlash. Many are simply proud. As one classmate put it:
“Today I received so many calls because my best friend in ABU Zaria stood his ground… Nigeria must work
Yerima himself has not spoken publicly to all the noise—but his past classmates continue to reveal the softer side behind the stern uniform: the “MD” of ABU, the Elelenwo boy, the social prefect who now stands at the frontline of a national conversation.