Nasir El-Rufai has, disclosed that he had written to Nuhu Ribadu, seeking clarification over reports that the latter’s office allegedly imported thallium sulphate, a substance he described as “very dangerous.”

 

The former governor of Kaduna State made the allegation in a post on his verified social media page, raising concerns about the potential risks associated with the chemical.

 

“As part of my duty as a citizen, I wrote to the NSA to seek clarification on reports about the importation by his office of thallium sulphate, a very dangerous toxin,” El-Rufai stated. “It’s a matter of concern if anyone brings in any poison, more so an odourless, colourless one.”

 

A copy of the letter, also sighted by Legit.ng, showed that it was delivered to the Office of the National Security Adviser on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

 

In response, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) denied the allegation and directed El-Rufai to submit any evidence supporting his claims to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.

 

The reply, signed by OM Adesuyi, a brigadier general, on behalf of Ribadu, acknowledged receipt of El-Rufai’s correspondence and firmly refuted the claims.

 

“ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so,” the statement read.

 

The letter further indicated that the matter had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation. It added that El-Rufai and any other individuals in possession of relevant information would be invited by the security service to provide evidence to support their claims.

 

The development has sparked debate in political and security circles, as stakeholders await the outcome of the investigation by the DSS.