The Presidency has refuted viral social media reports alleging that a member of the kitchen staff at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa was arrested over an alleged attempt to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The claims, circulated through an online video, suggested that a presidential chef had been taken into custody following intelligence reports of suspicious activities linked to food preparation within restricted areas of the Villa. The video featured footage purportedly from the Presidential Villa, accompanied by a voiceover detailing what it described as a coordinated security response.
According to the narration, the alleged arrest followed intelligence alerts pointing to a potential threat to the president’s safety. It further claimed that a special police squad intervened swiftly, triggering heightened security measures around the presidential environment. The report added that authorities acted professionally and discreetly to prevent public panic while neutralising any possible risks.
The video also stated that the suspect, described as a kitchen staff member attached to presidential services, was detained for questioning as investigators began examining evidence tied to the alleged poisoning attempt. It urged the public to remain calm, noting that investigations were ongoing and that allegations do not equate to guilt without due process.
However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the report as false. Posting on his official X account, Onanuga categorically denied the claims and described the video as fake news.
“No Aso Rock kitchen staff arrested. No Aso Rock kitchen staff attempted to poison President Tinubu. Please ignore this fake news being disseminated by this video,” he wrote.
Authorities have not released further information regarding the source of the video or the motives behind its circulation. The Presidency maintains that the allegation is entirely baseless
