Atiku denies gifting SUV To Naval Officer Who Clashed With FCT Minister, Wike

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming he donated a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, the naval officer who recently clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed plot of land in Abuja.

The clarification was issued on Thursday through a statement released by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on the former Vice President’s X handle.

Ibe described the viral claim as completely unfounded, urging the public to dismiss it.

“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,” Ibe said.

“The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public,” he added.

The false claim, which originated from a Facebook post on Wednesday, alleged that Atiku rewarded Lt. Yerima for confronting Wike during the land dispute.

The report quickly gained traction across social media platforms, prompting Atiku’s media team to issue the rebuttal.

The controversy stems from an encounter in Abuja’s Gaduwa District where Wike confronted the naval officer and his team guarding a property reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).

In a video that went viral, Wike accused the retired naval chief of “illegally taking over” the land, while Yerima maintained his team was acting on instructions.

The dramatic exchange sparked a nationwide debate on protocol, security deployment, and civility among public officials.

Atiku’s camp called on Nigerians to exercise caution and verify information before sharing, warning that the spread of falsehoods contributes to misinformation and needless tension.

The former Vice President has not made any additional comment on the land dispute itself, focusing solely on clarifying the SUV rumour.