Minister Wike Bans Phone Use for AGIS Staff After Viral Clash with Naval Officer

Minister Wike has reportedly banned phone use for AGIS Staff after viral clash with Naval Officer.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reportedly imposed a ban on the use of mobile phones by 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.

According to an internal memo obtained by SaharaReporters, the directive, effective Wednesday, November 12, 2025 prohibits all officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below from bringing their phones into office premises.

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The memo, signed by AGIS Head, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, 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.”

Viral Video Sparks Outrage

Sources within the FCT administration disclosed that the order came barely 24 hours after videos of Wike’s confrontation with a Naval officer at a disputed property in Abuja went viral on social media, particularly on WhatsApp groups allegedly shared by AGIS employees.

“The minister was furious that the videos circulated among staff. He saw it as an act of sabotage,” one insider told SaharaReporters.

The controversial video, which has been widely shared online, showed Wike engaging in a tense exchange with the Naval officer who was reportedly guarding a building under contention.

Workers, Activists Condemn the Move

The phone ban has sparked widespread criticism from civil rights advocates and labour groups, who described the policy as “draconian” and “outdated.”

A labour activist quoted by SaharaReporters said,

“It’s absurd that in 2025, a minister would ban phones in a public agency because of a viral video. This is not leadership — it’s paranoia in power.”

NANS Reacts to Viral Confrontation

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned Wike over his conduct in the viral video, accusing him of verbally assaulting a Naval officer performing lawful duties.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Atiku Isah, the student body commended the officer’s restraint and urged President Bola Tinubu to caution the minister.

“We will not sit idly by while those who serve the nation in uniform are disrespected,” NANS declared.

The FCT Ministry has yet to issue an official response to the growing backlash surrounding both the phone ban and the viral confrontation.