Presidency Debunks Viral Aso Rock Poisoning Plot Claim Against President Bola Tinubu
Viral social media claims alleging an attempt to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inside the Presidential Villa have been firmly dismissed by the Presidency, amid growing public concern over the authenticity of the circulating footage.
The controversial report alleged that a member of the kitchen staff at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa had been apprehended for allegedly plotting to poison the Nigerian leader. The narrative quickly gained traction online, particularly after a video surfaced suggesting that a special police squad had stepped in following intelligence alerts tied to suspicious food preparation activities within restricted sections of the Villa.
The video, obtained by PulseNets, amplified the claims and alleged that security operatives had commenced a probe into the purported poisoning attempt.
According to the video,
“Today we examine reports surrounding the shocking arrest of a presidential chef over an alleged plot to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an incident that has prompted swift intervention by a special police squad and triggered heightened security measures within the presidential environment.
“According to preliminary information from security sources, the arrest followed intelligence alerts suggesting suspicious activities connected to food preparation procedures within restricted areas linked to presidential operations.
“Authorities moved quickly after receiving credible reports that indicated a possible threat to the safety of the president, leading to a coordinated investigation involving specialised security personnel tasked with protecting national leadership.
“The suspect, identified as a member of kitchen staff attached to presidential services, was reportedly taken into custody for questioning as investigators began examining evidence and verifying claims connected to the alleged poisoning attempt.
“Security agencies have urged the public to remain calm, stressing that the investigation remains ongoing and that allegations do not automatically imply guilt until due process.”
However, the Presidency has categorically rejected the allegations.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, spoke to PulseNets and described the viral report as entirely false and misleading.
He stated unequivocally,
“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.”
Officials further maintained that no security breach occurred within the Presidential Villa and urged Nigerians to disregard the circulating content. They also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of inciting public panic and undermining national security.
Also Read: Why We Posted the Grok Image of President Tinubu and Kagame — Presidency Explains
PulseNets learnt that security agencies have not confirmed any arrest connected to the alleged poisoning plot. There has also been no formal announcement of an investigation linked to the viral footage.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reported to be safe and continues to carry out his official engagements without disruption.
Authorities are yet to disclose the origin of the video or clarify the motive behind its dissemination as concerns over misinformation continue to mount.
