Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has refuted viral social media claims that he presented a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, the naval officer involved in a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement released via Atiku’s X handle on Thursday, his media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed the report as “completely false and baseless.”
“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007), did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima — or any other person — a Toyota SUV,” Ibe said. “The story is entirely fabricated and should be disregarded by the public.”
The rumour, which gained traction on Facebook on Wednesday, alleged that the former vice president rewarded Lt. Yerima following his encounter with Wike during an inspection exercise at a disputed plot of land in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
A viral video from the scene showed a heated exchange between the minister and the naval officer, who insisted that he was safeguarding naval property.
The incident has since sparked widespread public debate, with several notable figures, including former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), urging both parties to exercise restraint and uphold institutional respect.
Atiku’s camp maintained that the claim was another attempt to mislead the public and stir unnecessary controversy.
“We urge Nigerians to verify information before sharing it,” Ibe added, stressing that the former vice president remains focused on promoting peace, democracy, and good governance.
