Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied claims that he gifted Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima a brand new Toyota SUV.
The denial came on Thursday through a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, who described the circulating reports as false and urged the public to disregard them.
“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,” he wrote.
“The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public.”
The claims emerged following a confrontation between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and military personnel over land access in the Gaduwa district of Abuja.
In a video shared widely on social media, Minister Wike was seen arguing with soldiers who blocked FCTA officials from entering the property.
He questioned the legality of the military presence, saying, “You cannot be higher than any government. You cannot be carrying a gun to intimidate anybody.”
He also stated that the officers acted without proper authority, adding that he contacted the Chief of Defence Staff before visiting the site.
Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, said that military personnel were sent by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, after FCTA officials were told to stop developing land without title documents and approval.
