Atiku Refutes Claims of Gifting SUV to Naval Officer After Clash with Wike

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports alleging 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 posted on Atiku’s X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, his media adviser, Paul Ibe, described the viral social media report as entirely false and without any factual basis.

“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007), did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima — or anyone else — a brand-new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports circulating online. The story is completely fabricated and should be disregarded,” Ibe stated.

The viral claim, which surfaced on Facebook on Wednesday, alleged that Atiku rewarded Lt. Yerima following his altercation with Wike over an alleged land-grabbing issue in Abuja.

The confrontation reportedly occurred on Tuesday when Wike confronted the officer during an inspection at a disputed property in Gaduwa District, Abuja. A video of the incident, which has since gone viral, captured a tense exchange between the minister and the naval officer, who insisted he was protecting naval property.

The incident has continued to generate reactions across the country, with public figures — including former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) — urging restraint, mutual respect, and adherence to institutional protocols.

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