FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed as false the social media reports alleging that he presented a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, the naval officer recently involved in a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement shared on his official X account today, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, described the story as “completely untrue and baseless,” urging the public to disregard it.
“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007), did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima—or any other person—a brand-new Toyota SUV, contrary to the misleading claims circulating on social media. The story is entirely fabricated and should be ignored,” Ibe stated.
The viral claim, which surfaced on Facebook yesterday, alleged that Atiku rewarded the naval officer for standing up to Wike during an argument over a disputed piece of land in Abuja.
The altercation occurred on Tuesday when Wike confronted Lt. Yerima at a contested site in the Gaduwa District of the FCT.
A video of the incident showed a heated exchange between the minister and the officer, who insisted he was safeguarding naval property.
The footage quickly spread online, drawing widespread reactions from Nigerians and public figures—including former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd)—who called for calm and respect for institutional authority.