In a recent televised interview, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike accused his longtime rival, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, of ordering an assassination attempt against him during the 2019 general elections. The alleged instrument of the plot, according to Wike, was a senior Nigerian Army officer he called “General Saham.”
Archival records show that the figure in question is Major-General Jamil (also spelled Jamilu) Sarham, who served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army between 2018 and 2019. In that role, he oversaw operations in Rivers State at the height of election tensions.
Sarham’s name has appeared in local press for commissioning military projects, presiding over promotions, and serving later in senior appointments, but never before in connection with allegations of political violence.
To date, no public record confirms the claims Wike has made. There are no court filings, official investigations, or Army statements corroborating or denying the allegations. Both Amaechi and the Nigerian Army have yet to issue direct public comment.
Story No Clear (SNC) has filed FOI requests to the Army, the Ministry of Defence, and the Office of the NSA, seeking official confirmation of Sarham’s postings and any inquiries into the matter. Requests for comment have been sent to Wike’s press office, Amaechi’s representatives, and the Army’s public relations directorate.
At stake is not only the credibility of one of Nigeria’s most outspoken political figures but also the question of military neutrality in electoral contests. SNC will continue to follow up on responses and publish findings.