The Presidency has dismissed as false a viral report alleging that an unnamed chef at the State House, Abuja, was arrested over a purported plot to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Responding to enquiries from journalists on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Temitope Ajayi, categorically described the claim as ‘fake and without foundation’.
‘Fake,‘ Ajayi stated in a terse response when contacted about the allegation.
The clarification followed the circulation of an unverified report across certain online platforms claiming that a member of the kitchen staff at the Presidential Villa had been apprehended in connection with an alleged attempt to poison the President.
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The report, which provided no credible source or verifiable details, rapidly gained traction on social media, triggering speculation and public concern.
The Presidency noted that no security agency has confirmed any investigation or arrest relating to the allegation, stressing that the claim is entirely unfounded.
In recent times, government officials have cautioned against the dissemination of unverified and misleading information capable of eroding public trust in state institutions and fomenting unnecessary apprehension.
As of press time, there was no indication from any relevant authority to substantiate the viral claim.