The Presidency on Sunday dismissed claims circulating on social media that a chef at the Presidential Villa was arrested over an alleged plot to poison President Bola Tinubu, describing the reports as false.
The viral video alleged that security operatives detained a member of the presidential kitchen staff after receiving intelligence of suspicious activity in restricted areas of the Villa.
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It also claimed that a special police squad had been deployed and security tightened around the presidential environment.
However, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed the video as “fake news,” urging the public to rely on official channels for verified information and not to spread unsubstantiated reports that could cause panic.
The allegations follow a recent incident in which some military personnel were arrested for an alleged plot to topple the government.
According to sources, a staff member from Julius Berger deployed to the State House in 2022 was among those questioned in connection with the earlier security issue.
A Julius Berger employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the staff member is new to the State House and expressed surprise at the allegations, emphasizing that long-serving employees are unaware of any such discussions or activities.
The Presidency reiterated that there is no evidence supporting the poisoning claims and reaffirmed that the President’s security remains intact.