Fresh controversy erupted on Sunday after a viral video falsely claimed that a member of the kitchen staff at the Presidential Villa was arrested over an alleged plot to poison President Bola Tinubu, prompting an immediate rebuttal from the Presidency.
The footage, which circulated widely across social media, alleged that security operatives uncovered suspicious activity within restricted areas of the Villa and detained a chef as part of an emergency operation. It also claimed security was reinforced around the presidential complex following the supposed discovery. Officials, however, insist no such incident occurred.
Responding to the claims, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the report as entirely fabricated and urged the public to ignore it. He cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of inciting unnecessary fear.
Meanwhile, security sources clarified that recent arrests in an unrelated investigation involved individuals linked to an alleged coup plot.
Among those being questioned is a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria assigned to the presidential wing of the State House, a matter authorities say has no connection to the viral poisoning allegation.
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