El-Rufai Accuses NSA Ribadu Of Importing Colorless, Odourless Poison From Poland

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has alleged that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, imported a shipment of thallium sulphate, a substance known for its extreme toxicity.

In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and addressed to the NSA’s office in the Three Arms Zone in Abuja, El-Rufai said he was writing out of concern as a citizen.

He asked for clarification over information reportedly circulating among opposition leaders about the purchase of about 10 kilograms of the chemical from a supplier in Poland.

The former governor pointed out that thallium compounds are highly poisonous and subject to strict regulation.

Because of this, he said it was necessary to confirm certain facts in the interest of public safety and accountability.

El-Rufai raised the claim on Sunday in a post on X, where he attached a copy of a letter he sent to the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.

“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.

“It’s a matter of concern if anyone brings in any poison, more so an odourless, colourless one,” El-Rufai wrote on X.

In the letter, El-Rufai alleged that the NSA’s office had acquired about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier based in Poland.

“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 stated.

“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 confirm the following details.”

According to him, the issues that need clarification include the purpose for which the chemical was obtained, the identity of the supplier, and whether the importation followed existing chemical or defence regulations.

He also asked for details about the exact quantity and concentration of the substance, how it would be stored and secured after arrival, and which regulatory bodies were involved in overseeing the process.

The ex-governor demanded regulatory oversight and coordination by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), along with other relevant health and environmental authorities.

El-Rufai further requested information on whether any health risk assessments or safety plans had been prepared, given the compound’s dangerous nature.

He stressed that his request was not political but aimed at ensuring proper procedures, safety measures, and transparency.

“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,” El-Rufai said.

He also asked the NSA’s office to provide a response or designate a contact person for further discussion, saying this would help reassure members of the opposition and the wider public.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Director-General of NAFDAC, the Director-General of NCDC, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

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. It’s a matter of concern if anyone brings in any poison, more so an odourless, colourless one. pic.twitter.com/sjcjs3akw9

— Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (@elrufai) February 15, 2026

The development follows Nasir El-Rufai’s recent claim that Nuhu Ribadu ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to arrest him at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after he returned to Nigeria.