The Presidency has dismissed viral social media reports alleging that a member of the kitchen staff at Bola Tinubu’s official residence was arrested for attempting to poison the president.
The denial came on Sunday from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who described the circulating video as completely false. He shared the video on his verified X account, warning Nigerians to disregard the content.
The video in question, which has been widely shared online, shows footage purportedly from the Aso Rock Presidential Villa kitchen. A voiceover narrates a supposed security breach involving a presidential chef.
According to the narration, the video claimed: “Today we examine reports surrounding the shocking arrest of a presidential chef over an alleged plot to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an incident that has prompted swift intervention by a special police squad and triggered heightened security measures within the presidential environment. Authorities moved quickly after receiving credible reports indicating a possible threat to the president’s safety, leading to a coordinated investigation involving specialised security personnel.”
The narration further alleged that the suspect, described as a member of the kitchen staff attached to presidential services, was taken into custody for questioning while investigators examined evidence and verified claims. The video urged the public to remain calm but implied a serious breach of security.
Responding directly to the allegations, Onanuga categorically dismissed the claims, stating: “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.”
Supporting Onanuga’s statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, also described the video as entirely unfounded. “The trending video about a poison attempt on President Tinubu and arrest of an Aso Villa cook is fake and totally unfounded. There is no truth to it. It should be disregarded,” Ajayi said.
The viral video, which has attracted thousands of views and shares across platforms such as X and WhatsApp, appears to have caused alarm among some members of the public. Social media users speculated about security lapses at the presidential villa, prompting the Presidency to respond swiftly to dispel the claims.
Fake news targeting public figures, particularly political leaders, has become increasingly common in Nigeria. During election periods and other politically sensitive moments, false claims often circulate rapidly, causing unnecessary panic and distrust. Experts say misinformation can also undermine public confidence in government institutions.
The Presidency has repeatedly warned the public against spreading unverified reports online. According to officials, circulating such content without confirmation can be dangerous, creating unnecessary tension and potentially putting national security at risk.
In recent years, Aso Rock has strengthened its security protocols, especially around the kitchen and residential areas. Only vetted personnel are allowed in sensitive zones, and security agencies regularly conduct checks to ensure safety within the Presidential Villa.
Onanuga’s statement comes amid growing concern over the spread of misinformation on social media platforms in Nigeria. Analysts say viral videos with dramatic claims, such as alleged assassination attempts, are often designed to provoke fear and attract attention, rather than convey facts.
The Nigerian government has launched several initiatives to curb the spread of fake news, including public education campaigns and partnerships with social media companies to flag false content. The aim is to ensure that citizens can distinguish between verified information and fabricated claims.
The Presidency’s swift response underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining transparency and public trust. By promptly addressing the viral video, officials sought to reassure Nigerians that there was no security breach and that the president’s safety remains guaranteed.
The video’s claims were circulated at a time when attention on government security measures has been heightened. Public interest in presidential safety is naturally high, but officials stress that spreading unverified information can distract security agencies from their primary duties.
Historically, Nigeria has experienced several waves of fake news targeting political figures, ranging from claims of health crises to assassination plots. Many of these reports are later debunked by official sources, yet they tend to persist online due to the viral nature of social media.
Onanuga and Ajayi’s clarification serves as a reminder for Nigerians to rely on official channels for information regarding the presidency and national security. Verified statements from the Office of the President, accredited media, and official social media handles remain the most reliable sources.
The Presidency also urged media organisations and citizens to exercise caution before sharing content that could cause panic or spread misinformation. According to officials, responsible reporting and social media use are essential for national stability.
