Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied claims that he gave a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, the naval officer involved in the recent confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Thursday, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, described the circulating report as entirely false and lacking any factual basis.
Ibe urged the public to disregard the fabricated story.
“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.
“The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public,” he said.
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The viral report, which surfaced on Facebook on Wednesday, falsely claimed that Atiku rewarded the naval officer following his reported confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over an alleged land-grabbing dispute in Abuja.
The incident took place on Tuesday when Wike confronted Lt. Ahmed Yerima during an inspection of a contested plot in the Gaduwa District of the FCT.
A video of the encounter circulating online showed a tense exchange between the minister and the officer, who insisted he was safeguarding naval property.
The episode has sparked widespread reactions, with public figures—including former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.) and other politicians—urging restraint and respect for institutional authority.
