Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports claiming he gifted a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, the naval officer who recently clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Thursday, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, described the viral story as “completely false” and without any factual basis, urging the public to ignore it.
“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 rumour, which began circulating on Facebook on Wednesday, alleged that Atiku rewarded the naval officer for standing up to Wike during a confrontation over a disputed plot of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.
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The altercation occurred on Tuesday when Wike visited the site to stop what he described as illegal construction activities allegedly linked to a retired Chief of Naval Staff. A viral video of the scene showed a tense exchange between the minister and the officer, who insisted he was protecting naval property.
The incident has since sparked mixed reactions nationwide, with several public figures — including former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd) — calling for calm, professionalism, and mutual respect among government institutions.
