(DDM) – The Presidency has dismissed as false a viral video alleging that a chef at the Presidential Villa attempted to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and was subsequently arrested.
DDM reports that Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, publicly refuted the claim after it gained traction across social media platforms over the weekend.
The video, which circulated widely online, suggested that a kitchen staff member at Aso Rock had been detained for allegedly trying to harm the President through his meals.
The claim quickly triggered concern among users, fueling speculation about security breaches within the Presidential Villa.
Responding on Sunday, March 1, 2026, via his official X account, Onanuga categorically denied the allegation.
“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 wrote.
His statement sought to shut down what officials described as unfounded and misleading claims targeting the administration.
The Presidency emphasized that no such incident occurred and that the safety of the President has not been compromised.
The episode highlights the speed at which unverified narratives can spread in Nigeria’s increasingly digital political environment.
Social media platforms often amplify sensational claims before authorities have an opportunity to verify or respond.
Analysts say misinformation involving national security or presidential safety tends to generate heightened public reaction due to its sensitive nature.
Security at the Presidential Villa, commonly referred to as Aso Rock, involves multiple layers of screening and oversight coordinated by agencies including the Department of State Services and other security units.
Historically, rumors concerning threats to sitting presidents have surfaced periodically, particularly during periods of intense political debate.
However, official agencies have consistently dismissed such claims when unsupported by evidence.
Onanuga’s swift response appears aimed at preventing panic and restoring public confidence.
By addressing the allegation directly, the Presidency sought to reassure Nigerians that no breach had occurred within the Villa’s security framework.
The clarification also comes at a time of heightened political discourse, when online misinformation can shape narratives rapidly and sometimes influence public perception before facts are established.
Communication experts note that proactive rebuttals from official sources are increasingly necessary in an era where digital content can go viral within minutes.
False reports involving high-profile figures often attract engagement, regardless of credibility.
For the Tinubu administration, countering such claims promptly is seen as part of a broader strategy to manage information flow and protect institutional integrity.
While the viral video has been widely debunked by official channels, the incident underscores ongoing challenges posed by misinformation in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Authorities have urged citizens to verify sensitive claims through credible sources before sharing them online.
For now, the Presidency maintains that there was no poisoning attempt, no arrest, and no security incident at Aso Rock, describing the circulating video as entirely fabricated.
