Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly denied viral social media reports claiming he gifted a brand-new Toyota SUV to the naval officer who recently confronted Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land in Abuja.
Denial of Baseless Claims
In an official statement released on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Atiku's Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, categorically refuted the circulating story, describing it as entirely fabricated. The statement emphasized that Atiku Abubakar did not gift Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima—or any other individual—a brand new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports gaining traction online.
The media adviser urged the public to completely disregard the story, which he labeled as baseless and concocted. This strong denial aims to quell the speculation that had spread rapidly across various social media platforms.
Origin of the False Report
The controversial claim first surfaced on Facebook on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, just a day after the heated confrontation between the naval officer and the FCT Minister. The viral post suggested that Atiku had rewarded Lieutenant Yerima for standing up to Minister Wike during the land dispute incident that occurred on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The false narrative attempted to create a political connection where none existed, implying that the former Vice President was involved in the personal land matter that led to the public confrontation between the naval officer and the minister.
Context and Implications
This denial comes amidst ongoing public interest in the land dispute that saw a serving military officer directly challenge one of Nigeria's most powerful political figures. The incident has sparked broader conversations about land allocation and property rights within the Federal Capital Territory.
By promptly addressing the false SUV gift allegation, Atiku's team has sought to distance the former presidential candidate from the controversy and prevent any potential political fallout. The clear and unequivocal statement leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the former Vice President's non-involvement in the matter.
The public is now advised to rely on official statements from verified sources rather than unsubstantiated social media claims that can easily mislead and create unnecessary political tensions.
