El-Rufia alleges Thallium Sulphate imported into Nigeria by Ribadu....

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of importing about 10 kilogrammes of highly toxic thallium sulphate, raising concerns over public safety and regulatory oversight.

In a letter dated Jan. 30 and addressed to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, El-Rufai said he was seeking “clarification and reassurance” over information allegedly available to opposition leaders regarding the procurement of the substance from a supplier in Poland. He shared a copy of the letter on his X account on Sunday.

“Given that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, I believe it is important for public safety, democratic accountability and for maintaining public trust” to clarify the details of the importation, El-Rufai wrote.

He asked the NSA’s office to disclose the intended purpose and end-use of the chemical, the identity of the supplier, whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit, and the total quantity and concentration procured.

El-Rufai also sought information on storage and security arrangements, as well as regulatory coordination with agencies including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). He further asked whether any public health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans had been developed.

El-Rufai said the inquiry was made in good faith to ensure due process, safety standards and transparency, adding that such clarification would strengthen public confidence in national institutions.

The Office of the National Security Adviser has not responded to the allegations. Ribadu could not immediately be reached for comment.

The claims come two days after El-Rufai alleged that his telephone had been tapped and that the NSA was listening to his calls.