The Presidency has dismissed a viral video alleging that a chef attached to the Presidential Villa was arrested over an alleged plot to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the claim as entirely 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 culinary activities within restricted sections of the Villa.

 

It further claimed that a special police squad had been mobilised, resulting in heightened security measures around the presidential complex.

 

According to the circulating report, the alleged arrest was said to have followed what it termed credible threats to the president’s safety, triggering a coordinated investigation by security personnel responsible for protecting the nation’s leadership.

 

The content also suggested that the unnamed kitchen staff member was taken into custody for questioning while authorities reviewed evidence linked to the purported poisoning plot.

 

However, the Presidency has firmly debunked the claims.

 

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the video as “fake news,” stressing that the story was entirely fabricated and should be disregarded.

 

He urged members of the public to rely on official communication channels for verified information, warning against the spread of unsubstantiated reports capable of causing unnecessary panic and undermining public confidence.

 

“The story is completely false and has no basis in reality,” Onanuga said, advising citizens to treat the viral content with caution.

 

The allegation comes a few months after some military personnel were reportedly arrested over an alleged plan to topple the government.

 

It was also gathered that a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria working at the presidential wing of the State House was among those arrested to explain his alleged involvement in the purported coup plot.

 

The Presidency maintained that there was no incident involving any member of the presidential kitchen staff and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the President and the State House.