El-Rufai demands answers from Nuhu Ribadu over alleged importation of deadly poison 

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has formally written to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), seeking clarification over the alleged procurement of a highly toxic chemical substance, Thallium Sulphate, reportedly imported from Poland.

In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and acknowledged as received by ONSA on February 11, 2026, El-Rufai said he was acting “as a concerned citizen” in requesting details about what he described as the acquisition of “approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate.”

The letter, addressed to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” raised concerns about the purpose, regulatory compliance, and safety protocols surrounding the alleged purchase.

It was shared by the former governor via his X handle on Sunday.

“I am writing as a concerned citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), reportedly from a supplier in Poland,” El-Rufai wrote.

A copy of the letter. Credit: El-Rufai

According to scientific sources, thallium sulphate is an extremely toxic, tasteless, odourless, and colourless crystalline compound historically used as a rodenticide and insecticide. Due to its extreme toxicity — with a potentially fatal human dose as low as 8–12 mg/kg — its use is tightly restricted or banned in many countries. The compound mimics potassium in the body, potentially causing severe neurological damage, hair loss, organ failure, and death.

Citing these risks, El-Rufai said it was necessary “for public safety, democratic accountability, and for maintaining public trust” to obtain clarification on several issues.

He specifically requested information on:

The intended purpose and end-use of the imported substance;

The identity of the supplier and whether the importation was covered by existing chemical or defence permits;

The total quantity and specific form or concentration procured;

Storage and security arrangements upon arrival;

Regulatory coordination with agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC);

Any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans developed in view of the compound’s toxicity.

El-Rufai stressed that his inquiry was made in good faith and was not intended to inflame political tensions.

“I want to stress that this inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed. Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed,” he stated.

He also requested a formal response or designated contact within the NSA’s office for further engagement.

For transparency, El-Rufai copied the correspondence to the Director-General of NAFDAC, the Director-General of NCDC, as well as the national chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The development comes amid heightened tensions between El-Rufai and the NSA. The former governor recently alleged that Ribadu ordered his arrest, an accusation that reportedly followed a confrontation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

El-Rufai had also claimed that an unnamed individual tapped the NSA’s phone and confirmed Ribadu’s involvement in efforts to have him detained.