Atiku speaks on his alleged SUV gift to naval officer who clashed with Wike

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports alleging that he gave a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, the naval officer who clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a land dispute in Abuja.

Atiku, who spoke in a press statement issued on his verified X handle on Thursday, described the report, which has been circulating widely on social media, as completely false and without any factual basis.

Speaking through his media aide, Paul Ibe, the former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), urged the public to disregard the fabricated story.

The statement reads: “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.”

The viral claim, which emerged on Facebook on Wednesday, alleged that Atiku rewarded the naval officer following his reported confrontation with Wike over an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja.

The clash occurred on Tuesday when Wike confronted a naval officer identified as Lt. Yerima during an inspection at a disputed plot of land in the Gaduwa District of the FCT.

A video of the incident, which circulated online, showed a heated exchange between the minister and the officer, who maintained that he was protecting naval property.

The incident has since generated widespread reactions, with several public figures, including a former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and other politicians, calling for restraint and respect for institutional authority.