The Presidency has strongly denied a viral social media claim that a chef working at the Presidential Villa was arrested for allegedly planning to poison President Bola Tinubu. Officials described the allegation as completely false and urged Nigerians not to believe or spread the video.
The video, which circulated widely on Sunday across X, Facebook, WhatsApp, and other platforms, alleged that security agents uncovered a secret plot inside Aso Rock. It claimed that a member of the presidential kitchen staff had been arrested after intelligence reports suggested suspicious activities linked to food preparation in restricted areas of the Villa.
The claim quickly sparked panic and heated debate online, with many users questioning the safety of the President and the state of security within Nigeria’s most protected residence. However, the Presidency says there is no truth to the story.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, responded directly to the claim on Sunday, describing it as “fake news.”
“No Aso Rock kitchen staff arrested. No Aso Rock kitchen staff attempted to poison President Tinubu,” Onanuga wrote on his official X handle.
He urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, warning that false reports can cause unnecessary fear and damage public trust.
The viral claim comes at a time when security matters around the Presidency have been under public discussion.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced that it had uncovered and foiled an alleged coup plot against the Tinubu administration. Several military officers were arrested and later subjected to court-martial proceedings.
That development had already heightened public sensitivity to any news relating to threats against the government.
In addition, in January 2026, the Presidency had to respond to another viral controversy involving a photograph of President Tinubu with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Paris. Social media users claimed the image was artificially generated because an enhanced version carried a visible Grok watermark. The Presidency later clarified that the original photograph was authentic and that the watermark appeared only on an edited version.
The latest incident has once again raised concerns about the spread of misinformation on social media.
Security experts warn that viral falsehoods, especially those involving national leadership, can create panic, damage reputations, and undermine public confidence in institutions.
The Presidency has advised citizens to rely only on official sources for sensitive information, particularly when it concerns national security or the safety of public officials.
As of now, there has been no report from any security agency confirming an arrest linked to the Presidential Villa kitchen.
Officials maintain that the video is fabricated and should be ignored.
Watch the breakdown in the video:
