Atiku denies gifting SUV to Naval Officer involved in altercation 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 altercation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

In a statement released on Thursday through his X handle, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, described the viral claim 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 any other individual — a brand-new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports currently circulating on social media. The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public,” Ibe said.

The viral post, which surfaced on Facebook on Wednesday, alleged that Atiku had rewarded the naval officer following his confrontation with Minister Wike over a disputed piece of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.

The altercation, which occurred on Tuesday, was captured in a video that has been widely circulated online. The footage shows a heated exchange between Wike and Lt. Yerima, who insisted he was safeguarding naval property.

The incident has since sparked widespread public reactions, with several prominent figures, including former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), urging restraint and mutual respect between political officeholders and security personnel.

Atiku’s media office reiterated its commitment to countering misinformation and urged Nigerians to verify reports before sharing them on social media.