The Presidency has come out strongly to debunk viral reports claiming that a kitchen staff member at Aso Rock Presidential Villa was arrested for allegedly attempting to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued the denial on Sunday, March 1, describing the circulating reports as completely false and misleading.
The Viral Video That Sparked the Rumour
A video had been making rounds on social media and WhatsApp groups showing scenes supposedly from the presidential villa. The video featured a dramatic voiceover narrating what it claimed was a serious security breach involving a presidential chef.
According to the narrator in 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.”
The video went further to claim that the arrest followed intelligence alerts about suspicious activities connected to food preparation in restricted areas within the villa. It also alleged that a member of the kitchen staff had been taken into custody for questioning.
Presidency Sets the Record Straight
Responding directly to these allegations, Bayo Onanuga didn’t mince words in his rebuttal. He categorically stated that the entire story was fabricated from start to finish.
“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,” Onanuga wrote.
A Growing Problem of Misinformation
This incident highlights the increasing problem of fake news and misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space. False reports about high-profile government officials and national security matters have become common, often spreading rapidly through social media platforms before they can be verified or debunked.
Such fake news stories can create unnecessary panic among citizens and potentially damage Nigeria’s reputation both locally and internationally.
What Nigerians Should Do
The Presidency is urging all Nigerians to be vigilant about the information they consume and share on social media. Before forwarding or believing sensational news about government officials or national security matters, it’s important to:
– Check if the information comes from credible, verified sources
– Look for official confirmation from government channels
– Be skeptical of videos with dramatic voiceovers but no verifiable evidence
– Report suspicious or misleading content to the appropriate authorities
As we navigate an increasingly digital world, media literacy and fact-checking have become essential skills for every Nigerian. This latest false alarm about President Tinubu serves as a reminder to always verify before sharing.
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Stay informed with verified news from credible sources. Don’t let fake news merchants manipulate your emotions or spread fear in our society.
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