Tinubu Poisoning Allegation Video Fabricated – Presidency
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu, Democracy Newsline | March 1, 2026
The Presidency on Sunday firmly dismissed as false a viral video alleging that a chef attached to the Presidential Villa had been arrested over a supposed plot to poison President Bola Tinubu.
The video, which gained traction across multiple social media platforms over the weekend, claimed that security operatives apprehended a member of the presidential kitchen staff following intelligence reports of suspicious activities linked to food preparation within restricted areas of the Villa. It further alleged that a special police squad had been deployed to the Presidential Villa, resulting in heightened security measures and covert investigations.
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According to the circulating narrative, the alleged arrest stemmed from what it described as credible threats to the President’s safety, prompting an urgent and coordinated response from security agencies responsible for protecting national leadership. The video insinuated that the unnamed kitchen staff member had been taken into custody for questioning while authorities examined evidence related to an alleged poisoning attempt.
Some versions of the claim went as far as introducing sensational details, including an unverified assertion that the suspect had links to a domestic dispute involving rat poison. However, no credible evidence was provided to support these allegations.
Presidency’s Swift Rebuttal
Responding to the claims, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the video as “fake news,” stressing that the story was entirely fabricated and devoid of factual basis.
“There is no truth whatsoever in the video circulating online. It is a malicious fabrication designed to misinform the public and create unnecessary tension,” he stated.
Onanuga urged Nigerians to rely solely on official communication channels for verified information, warning that the spread of unsubstantiated reports could incite panic and undermine public trust in national institutions.
Security within Nigeria’s Presidential Villa is governed by strict protocols involving multiple layers of screening and monitoring. Staff members undergo background checks and clearance procedures, while food preparation and service areas operate under tightly controlled conditions. The Presidency noted that the safety of the President and other officials remains paramount, with routine reviews of security measures conducted to address evolving threats.
Experts in security management say viral misinformation about high-profile security breaches can have far-reaching consequences, potentially emboldening mischief-makers or eroding public confidence in state institutions.
The allegation comes just months after reports emerged of the arrest of certain military personnel accused of plotting to destabilize the government. Although authorities acted swiftly in that case, officials emphasize that unrelated false narratives should not be weaponized to exploit public anxieties.
Political analysts note that in an era dominated by digital media, fabricated content can spread rapidly before verification processes catch up. They caution that politically sensitive misinformation often surfaces during periods of heightened national discourse.
The Presidency reiterated its commitment to transparency while appealing to citizens and media practitioners to verify information before sharing.
“As a nation, we must collectively resist the temptation to amplify unverified claims,” Onanuga said. “False reports, especially those touching on national security, can have unintended consequences.”
Observers believe the episode underscores the urgent need for digital literacy and responsible journalism in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape. As the story continues to circulate in some corners of social media, official sources maintain that there was no poisoning plot, no arrest of a presidential chef, and no extraordinary security breach at the Villa.
For now, the Presidency insists that governance continues uninterrupted, dismissing the viral video as nothing more than a fabrication aimed at stirring controversy rather than conveying truth.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 2ND 2026)
