The Presidency has categorically denied a widely circulated viral report alleging the arrest of a presidential chef over a purported plot to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Senior officials have described the report as entirely fake news, urging Nigerians to completely disregard the circulating video.

A video making rounds on social media had claimed that an incident within the presidential environment prompted the swift intervention of a special police squad and triggered heightened security measures at the Presidential Villa. The narrator in the video further alleged that preliminary information from unnamed security sources suggested the arrest followed intelligence alerts pointing to suspicious activities connected to food preparation procedures within restricted areas linked to presidential operations. Authorities reportedly moved quickly after receiving what were described as credible reports indicating a possible threat to the President's safety, leading to a coordinated investigation involving specialized security personnel tasked with protecting the nation’s leadership. The footage also stated that officials handled the situation professionally and discreetly to avoid public panic while ensuring all potential risks were neutralized. The suspect, identified as a member of the kitchen staff attached to presidential services, was purportedly taken into custody for questioning as investigators began examining evidence and verifying claims related to the alleged poisoning attempt. The video added that security agencies had urged the public to remain calm, stressing that investigations were ongoing and that allegations do not automatically imply guilt until due process is followed.

However, in a swift reaction, the Presidency dismissed these claims as utterly false. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement directly addressing the allegations. He firmly stated, “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 also shared the circulating video on his verified X account, reiterating that its contents were entirely false.

Further reinforcing the denial, Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, affirmed that the video was