The Presidency on Sunday dismissed as false a viral video alleging that a chef attached to the Presidential Villa was arrested over an alleged plot to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The video, which gained traction across social media platforms at the weekend, claimed that security operatives had swooped on 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, leading to tightened security around the presidential environment.

According to the circulating report, the supposed arrest stemmed from what it described as credible threats to the President’s safety, prompting a coordinated investigation by security personnel tasked with protecting national leadership.

The content also suggested that the unnamed kitchen staff was taken into custody for questioning while authorities examined evidence related to the alleged poisoning attempt.

But reacting to the development when The Guardian sought clarification, the Presidency categorically debunked 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 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.