The Presidency has debunked reports alleging that a kitchen staff member at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa was arrested for attempting to poison Bola Tinubu.
The denial was issued on Sunday, March 1, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga addressed a circulating video that purportedly showed scenes from the presidential villa, accompanied by a voiceover alleging a security breach involving a presidential chef.
In the video, the narrator claimed that a presidential chef had been arrested over an alleged plot to poison the president, prompting swift intervention by a special police unit and tighter security within the presidential premises. The narration further alleged that intelligence reports pointed to suspicious activities linked to food preparation in restricted areas associated with presidential operations.
According to the claims in the footage, authorities acted on what were described as credible security alerts, launching a coordinated investigation involving specialized personnel responsible for protecting national leadership. The operation was said to have been conducted discreetly to prevent public alarm while addressing any potential threat.
The video also alleged that the suspect, identified as a kitchen staff member attached to presidential services, had been detained for questioning as investigators examined evidence related to the supposed poisoning attempt. It concluded by urging the public to remain calm, noting that investigations were ongoing and that allegations do not equate to guilt.
However, responding to the claims, Onanuga dismissed the report as false and misleading.
“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 stated.
