The Presidency has dismissed a viral video claiming that a chef attached to the Presidential Villa was arrested over an alleged plot to poison President Bola Tinubu, describing the report as false. The video, which circulated widely on social media over the weekend, suggested that security operatives had detained a member of the presidential kitchen staff following intelligence reports of suspicious activity related to food preparation within restricted areas of the Villa.
The video further claimed that a special police squad had been deployed, tightening security around the Presidential environment, and that the unnamed staff member was taken into custody for questioning while authorities examined supposed evidence of the plot.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, debunked the claims, describing the video as “fake news” and urging the public to rely only on official channels for verified information. He emphasized that the story was entirely fabricated and should be disregarded, warning against spreading unsubstantiated reports that could cause unnecessary panic.
The allegation comes months after some military personnel were arrested for planning to overthrow the government. Reports indicate that a staff member of Julius Berger, working in the electrical department of the company at the Presidential Villa, was among those questioned in connection with the alleged coup plot, though this is unrelated to the viral poisoning claim.
A Julius Berger employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the staff member in question is new to the State House and unlikely to be involved in any serious security-related issues. “Some of us have stayed long here and we can’t stay where such a discussion is going on, much less being involved,” he added.
The Presidency continues to assure Nigerians that security measures around the President remain robust and cautions citizens against believing unverified social media content.
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