Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, seeking clarification over reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) imported about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic substance.
In a letter titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” El-Rufai said he was acting as a concerned citizen and requested details about the alleged procurement, reportedly from a supplier in Poland.
He asked the NSA to clarify the intended purpose and end-use of the chemical, the identity of the supplier, whether the importation was covered by an existing chemical or defence permit, and the total quantity and specific concentration procured.
The former governor also sought information on storage and security arrangements for the substance, as well as regulatory oversight involving agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
El-Rufai further asked whether any public health risk assessments or hazard mitigation plans had been developed, given what he described as the compound’s extreme toxicity.
He stated that the inquiry was made in good faith to ensure due process, safety standards and transparency, adding that public confidence in national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed.
The letter comes amid heightened tensions between El-Rufai and the Federal Government. Last week, during an interview on Arise News, the former governor admitted that he and his associates tapped Ribadu’s phone and listened to his conversations.
He also accused Ribadu of masterminding an alleged attempt to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
El-Rufai has repeatedly accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of targeting opposition figures and has vowed to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He has also declared that he would work to prevent the President’s re-election in 2027.
