Atiku Denies Gifting SUV To Naval Officer Who Confronted Wike Over Land Dispute

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports that he gifted a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, the naval officer involved in a recent public altercation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed ownership of land in Abuja.

A statement released via his X handle on Thursday by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, described the report circulating widely on social media as completely false and lacking 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 claim, which emerged on Facebook on Wednesday, alleged that Atiku rewarded Lt. Yerima following his reported confrontation with Wike over the disputed land.

The open clash occurred on Tuesday when Wike confronted Lt. Yerima during an inspection at a disputed plot of land in the Gaduwa District of the FCT. A video of the incident circulating online showed a heated exchange between the minister and the officer, who insisted he was protecting a property of superior officer.