Title: Presidency Dismisses Viral Claim of Plot to Poison Tinubu as Fake Date Published: 02 March 2026 Description: The Presidency has dismissed as false a viral video alleging that a chef attached to the Presidential Villa was arrested over an alleged plot to poison Bola Tinubu.The video, which circulated widely on social media over the weekend, claimed that security operatives had 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 was deployed, resulting in tightened security around the presidential environment.According to the circulating claims, the purported arrest was connected to what was described as credible threats to the President’s safety, prompting a coordinated investigation by security agencies responsible for protecting national leaders. The content suggested that the unnamed kitchen staff was taken into custody for questioning while authorities examined evidence related to an alleged poisoning attempt.Reacting on Sunday, 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 should be disregarded. He urged the public to rely on official communication channels for verified information, warning against the spread of unsubstantiated reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.The allegation emerged against the backdrop of earlier security-related incidents, including the arrest of some military personnel over an alleged plot to topple the government. Separately, it was gathered that a staff member of Julius Berger working at the presidential wing of the State House was among those questioned in connection with the alleged coup plot.Sources said the staff member, reportedly from a South-South state and attached to the electrical department of the construction firm, was deployed to the State House in 2022. A Julius Berger employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed surprise at the development, saying he could not understand why a relatively new staff member would be linked to such a serious matter.The Presidency reiterated that the viral poisoning claim had no basis in fact and cautioned Nigerians against amplifying misinformation. Attached Images: 78d2d950dcac95aff034533604800541e02ea4f5163c0db1abdaef0c91de3cbc.jpg Attached Video: None