Presidency Denies Rumours Of Chef Arrest Over Alleged Poison Plot Against Tinubu

The Presidency has vehemently rejected viral claims that a chef working in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa was arrested for attempting to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the reports as “fake news” being circulated online.

The denial comes after multiple social media posts and a widely shared video alleged that an Aso Rock kitchen staff member had been apprehended in connection with an alleged poisoning plot targeting the Nigerian president.

The claims quickly spread across messaging platforms and social networks, prompting reactions from worried citizens and commentators.

In a statement released on Sunday, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed the allegations as entirely unfounded.

“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,” Onanuga said, urging the public not to give credence to the rumours.

The Presidency’s clarification underscores that there has been no official report from security agencies about any poisoning attempt involving kitchen personnel at the Presidential Villa.

This is not the first time misinformation relating to threats against the President has circulated online. In July 2025, an online influencer was arrested and remanded by the Department of State Services for falsely claiming that President Tinubu had died of poisoning — a case that highlighted the severity of penalising misinformation under Nigerian law. That incident, however, involved no real poisoning attempt and did not implicate any staff of the Presidency.

Security analysts have warned that such misleading claims can cause unnecessary alarm, undermine public confidence and distract from genuine national security concerns. They have also called on social media users to verify information with credible sources before sharing.

The Presidency has reiterated its commitment to transparency and urged Nigerians to rely on official channels for accurate updates on national affairs.