Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has refuted claims that he gifted a Toyota SUV to a naval officer involved in a clash with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, calling the reports “entirely fabricated.”
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 a recent confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to a report from PUNCH, the claim first circulated on Facebook on Wednesday, alleging that Atiku rewarded Lt. Yerima following a land dispute in Abuja. The clash occurred on Tuesday when Wike confronted the officer at a disputed plot of land in Gaduwa District, FCT, during an inspection. A video of the incident showed a heated exchange, with Lt. Yerima asserting he was protecting naval property.
In a statement shared on Atiku’s X handle, his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, described the story as “completely false and without any factual basis.” He urged the public to disregard the report, saying, “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.”
The incident has drawn reactions from several public figures, including former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), who have called for restraint and respect for institutional authority.
This report highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the FCT clash and the spread of misinformation on social media.