Presidency dismisses viral video alleging Aso Rock kitchen staff plotted to poison President Bola Tinubu, calling it fake news.
The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed as false a viral video alleging that kitchen staff at Aso Rock were arrested for plotting to poison Bola Tinubu.
The claim began circulating on March 1, 2026, triggering widespread reactions across social media platforms. The video suggested that members of the presidential kitchen team had been apprehended over an alleged poisoning attempt at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. However, the Presidency swiftly moved to counter the narrative.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, publicly refuted the report via X (formerly Twitter). He categorically stated that no arrests were made and that no poisoning attempt occurred within the Presidential Villa. According to him, the video being circulated was fake and part of a misinformation campaign designed to mislead the public.
Prominent Nigerian media organisations, including Punch Newspapers and The Nation, also reported the official denial, reinforcing the Presidency’s position and clarifying that the claims lacked factual basis.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in Nigeria’s politically sensitive climate. Repurposed or manipulated footage can quickly gain traction online, especially when tied to high-profile figures such as the President. Before fact-checking mechanisms catch up, such content often fuels speculation and deepens political divisions.
Observers say the situation underscores the importance of verifying information from credible sources before sharing it, particularly when it concerns national security or public officials. The Presidency has urged citizens to disregard the viral video and rely on verified news channels for accurate updates.
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As digital misinformation continues to evolve, the Aso Rock poisoning claim serves as a reminder of how quickly false narratives can spread and how critical prompt official responses are in preserving public trust.