Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has refuted claims circulating on social media that he gifted a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, a naval officer involved in a recent confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement released through his X handle on Thursday, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, labeled the reports as entirely false and lacking any factual basis. Ibe urged the public to dismiss 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,” Ibe stated.
The rumors began circulating on Facebook on Wednesday, suggesting that Atiku rewarded Lt. Yerima following his altercation with Wike over an alleged land-grabbing issue in Abuja. The incident took place on Tuesday when Wike confronted Lt. Yerima during an inspection of a disputed plot of land in the Gaduwa District of the FCT. A video of the encounter, which showcased a tense exchange between Wike and the officer, went viral, with the officer asserting that he was safeguarding naval property.
The incident has sparked significant public reaction, prompting calls for restraint and respect for institutional authority from various figures, including former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and other politicians.
