Year: 2026

The Presidency has refuted a viral video alleging that a chef working at the Presidential Villa was arrested over a plot to poison President Bola Tinubu, describing the claim as completely false. The video, which circulated widely on social media over the weekend, alleged that security operatives apprehended a member of the presidential kitchen staff following intelligence reports of suspicious activities related to food preparation within restricted sections of the Villa. It further claimed that a special police unit was deployed and security around the President was significantly tightened. According to the report, the supposed arrest was triggered by what it described as credible threats to the President’s safety, leading to a coordinated investigation by security agencies responsible for protecting national leadership. The content also suggested that the unnamed staff member was detained for questioning while authorities examined evidence tied to the alleged poisoning attempt. However, the Presidency has dismissed the entire narrative. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, labeled the video as “fake news,” insisting that the story was fabricated and should be ignored. He advised Nigerians to rely only on official sources for accurate information and cautioned against spreading unverified reports capable of causing unnecessary alarm. The rumor surfaced months after some military personnel were arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow the government.