Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed social media claims suggesting he gifted a brand-new SUV to Navy Lieutenant A.M. Yarima following the officer’s viral confrontation with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The rumour gained attention after a post surfaced in a Facebook group called “(PTB) Plateau The Beautiful.”
The user claimed that “ATIKU REWARDS NAVY LIEUTENANT YERIMA WITH A BRAND NEW 2024 PRADO JEEP.”
Allegation Sparks Mixed Reactions Online
In the lengthy Facebook post, the author praised the officer’s conduct during the encounter with the minister.
The user described Wike as a “bully” and criticised his leadership style, calling the alleged gift a symbolic encouragement for young officers to act with courage and professionalism.
According to the user, the supposed reward from Atiku represented hope for a “new Nigeria” where integrity is valued over political influence.
... quickly spread across several platforms, prompting widespread speculation.
Atiku Labels Story as Fabricated
However, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, has discredited the reports.
Reacting to the circulating claims, he said the story was completely untrue and should be ignored.
He wrote: “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.”
Ibe’s statement has since helped clarify the situation as Nigerians continue to debate the viral encounter between the naval officer and the minister.