Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports claiming he gifted a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lt. Ahmed Yerima, the soldier who recently confronted Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a viral video.
The story, which has been widely circulated across social media platforms, alleged that Atiku rewarded the officer with a luxury vehicle for his “boldness”. However, the former Vice President has now debunked the claim, describing it as pure fabrication.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku urged the public to disregard the report in its entirety.
“For the avoidance of doubt, 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 further cautioned Nigerians against the deliberate spread of misinformation aimed at tarnishing reputations or stirring public controversy.
The false story had gained traction amid heightened public interest following the altercation involving the soldier and the FCT Minister. POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that Lt. Ahmed Yerima made headlines earlier this week after confronting and preventing Mr. Wike from accessing a disputed property belonging to a Former Naval Chief.
Atiku’s camp reiterated that the former Vice President had no involvement in the matter.