Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports alleging that he gifted a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, the naval officer involved in a recent confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement released on Thursday through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, and posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku described the viral claim as false, misleading, and entirely fabricated.
“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007), did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima or any other individual a brand new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports currently circulating on social media,” Ibe stated.
“The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public.”
The viral post, which surfaced on Facebook on Wednesday, claimed Atiku had rewarded the naval officer for standing up to Wike during a confrontation over a disputed plot of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, was captured in a video that quickly spread online, showing a tense exchange between Minister Wike and Lt. Yerima, who insisted he was protecting naval property.
The confrontation has sparked widespread public debate, with several figures including former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) urging restraint and mutual respect among public officials and security agencies.
Atiku’s camp has now clarified that he had no involvement in the matter and urged Nigerians to verify claims before sharing them on social media.
