Nigerian killed in South Africa

The Presidency has refuted viral claims on social media alleging that members of the kitchen staff at the Presidential Villa in Abuja were detained over a supposed attempt to poison President Bola Tinubu.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, addressed the allegation on Sunday via his verified X handle, where he shared the trending clip and firmly debunked its content.

The footage, which appears to show scenes from the Presidential Villa, features a narrated account suggesting that a chef working within the presidential complex had been arrested in connection with an alleged poisoning plot targeting President Bola Tinubu.

The narrator in the video claimed, “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 report further stated, “Officials emphasized that the operation was carried out professionally and discreetly to avoid public panic while ensuring that all potential risks were neutralised.

“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.”

Reacting to the claims, Onanuga described the story as entirely false and misleading.

He stated, “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.”

As of the time of filing this report, officials have not disclosed who produced the clip or the intent behind spreading the unfounded allegation.

No Aso Rock kitchen staff arrested over alleged plot to poison Tinubu — Presidency

Traditional rulers operating under the Network of Kings from the Osun Countryside have denounced the renewed cases of kidnapping in Ora-Igbomina, a community situated along the boundaries of Osun, Kwara and Ekiti states.

The monarchs described the incidents as disturbing and unacceptable, warning that the trend poses serious risks to residents and traditional institutions in the affected area.

Their position was contained in a joint statement signed by the President of the network, Oba Dr Adewale Ojarotade, the Alaa of Ila Ijesa; the Secretary, Oba Amuda Ajadi Adio, the Olukotun of Ikotun; and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Oba Professor Adekunle Okunoye, the Eburu of Oba.

The statement was issued shortly after the royal delegation paid a condolence and solidarity visit to Oba Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye, the Asaooni of Ora Igbomina, and members of the community following recent attacks by suspected armed bandits.

According to the monarchs, the infiltration of criminal elements through border towns connecting Kwara and Ekiti states has heightened insecurity in Ora Igbomina and neighbouring settlements.

They noted that communities located along interstate boundaries are increasingly vulnerable, stressing that the situation requires urgent and coordinated security intervention.

Speaking during the visit, Oba Ojarotade acknowledged the efforts of the Osun State Government and security agencies in working towards the release of two residents currently held in captivity.

He, however, called for a shift towards preventive strategies.

“We must move beyond reactive measures. Our rural communities, particularly border towns, require sustained security presence and intelligence-driven operations to prevent recurrence,” he said.

Oba Professor Adekunle Okunoye echoed the concerns, raising the possibility that rescue operations could be undermined by internal compromise.

He alleged that the activities of the joint rescue team comprising the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Forest Guards, the Police, local vigilantes and the Department of State Services might be affected by suspected information leaks.

“There is a need for thorough internal scrutiny within the security framework to block any leakages and improve synergy among agencies,” Oba Okunoye stated.

In his remarks, the Asaooni of Ora Igbomina, Oba Adekanmi Abikoye, narrated the experiences of his community, noting that it had suffered two separate attacks within three months owing to its position as a border town.

He urged the authorities to consider establishing a military camp in the area, saying such a move would reinforce security and serve as a deterrent to criminal elements.

Providing details of the incidents, the monarch said Emmanuel Owolabi, a retired Customs officer who was abducted on his farmland on December 2025, regained his freedom after spending about a month in captivity.

However, he disclosed that two commercial farmers, Sunday Adeyeye and Sunday Adewumi, who were kidnapped from their residences on February , 2026, remained in captivity.

The delegation led by Oba Ojarotade included Oba Amuda Ajadi Adio, Oba Samuel Adeniyi Olaniyan, the Edigbon of Èdéwùsì Ila Orangun; Oba Sikiru Olagbaju Akintola, the Oluibeji of Bolorunduri-Ife; and Oba Bamidele Olufemi, the Owa Akinfin of Ikifin.

The traditional rulers also reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate with government authorities and security agencies to strengthen safety measures and restore stability across rural communities in Osun State and neighbouring regions.

Osun monarchs decry renewed kidnappings in Ora-Igbomina