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By Oscar Okhifo
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied claims that he gave a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, the naval officer involved in a recent clash with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The reports circulating on social media, he said, are false and completely unfounded.
In a statement on his X handle on Thursday, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, urged the public to disregard the story.
“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007), did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerimaor any other individual a brand-new Toyota SUV. The story is entirely fabricated and should be ignored by the public,” Ibe said.
The viral claim, which first appeared on Facebook on Wednesday, alleged that Atiku rewarded Lt. Yerima following his reported confrontation with Wike over an alleged land dispute in Abuja.
The incident took place on Tuesday when Wike confronted the officer at a disputed plot of land in the Gaduwa District of the FCT. Video footage circulating online showed a heated exchange, with Lt. Yerima insisting he was protecting naval property.
The incident has generated widespread public discussion, with prominent figures, including retired Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai, Gen. Lucky Irabor and other politicians, urging calm and emphasizing the need to respect institutional authority.