By Emmanuel Kwada
Former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, has categorically denied allegations that he gifted a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lt. Ahmed Yerima or any other individual, labeling the reports as entirely false and fabricated.
In a press release issued today by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, the former Vice President urged the public to disregard the circulating social media stories, emphasizing that no such transaction took place.
“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima — or any other individual — a brand new Toyota SUV,” the statement read. “The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public.”
The denial comes amid a wave of unverified claims spreading across various online platforms, prompting the former Vice President’s office to swiftly address the misinformation.
Lt. Ahmed Yerima, a serving Nigerian Navy officer estimated to be in his late 20s or early 30s, gained overnight national fame on November 11, 2025, following a viral video of his composed confrontation with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike at a disputed construction site in Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja.
Born and raised in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, Yerima—whose name means “prince” in Kanuri began his academic journey in 2011 at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria before transitioning to the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, where he honed his skills as a disciplined and professional officer.
The incident stemmed from an ongoing land dispute allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd.).
Yerima and his unit were deployed to the site to protect workers from reported threats by police, following superior orders.
When Wike arrived with officials from the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council to enforce demolition over suspected illegal development, Yerima calmly refused entry, citing his directives—a stance that drew widespread praise for embodying military discipline, courage, and integrity amid Wike’s heated remarks, including calling the lieutenant a “fool.”
Social media erupted in support, with users hailing Yerima as a symbol of resistance against impunity in Nigeria’s land allocation controversies. Yerima later clarified he had no intent to harm Wike or others, reiterating his commitment to lawful orders.
Atiku Abubakar, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007, remains a prominent political figure and has consistently called for responsible use of social media to curb the spread of false information.
The timing of the fabricated gifting story appears to exploit Yerima’s newfound prominence, underscoring broader concerns over misinformation targeting public figures and viral sensations.
