Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied social media reports alleging he gifted a Toyota SUV to the naval officer who clashed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
According to a report from The PUNCH, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied claims circulating on social media 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 issued on Thursday via his X handle, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, described the report as entirely false and baseless. He urged Nigerians to disregard what he called a 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,” Ibe stated. “The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public.”
The viral claim, which began spreading on Facebook on Wednesday, alleged that Atiku rewarded Yerima for confronting Wike over a disputed plot of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.
A video of the incident, which surfaced online earlier in the week, showed Wike and the officer in a heated exchange over the property, reportedly linked to a former naval chief.
The altercation has sparked widespread public debate, with several retired generals and political figures urging restraint.