Quick Summary:
Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai accuses the Office of the National Security Adviser of importing thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical, and demands urgent clarification on its purpose and safety.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, of procuring thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical compound, and has demanded urgent clarification over the alleged transaction.
El-Rufai made the allegation on Sunday in a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he shared a letter addressed to the ONSA in Abuja.
Opposition Leaders Alerted to Alleged Procurement
In the letter, El-Rufai stated that information available to opposition political leaders indicated that the ONSA had procured approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
He described thallium salts as highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, stressing that public safety, democratic accountability, and trust in national institutions demanded immediate transparency.
Questions Raised on Purpose and Oversight
El-Rufai requested detailed clarification on:
- The intended purpose and end-use of the chemical
- The identity of the supplier
- Whether the importation was conducted under a valid chemical or defence permit
- The total quantity and concentration procured
- Storage and security arrangements upon arrival
He also sought information on regulatory oversight and coordination with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), including whether public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans had been developed.
Call for Transparency and Public Assurance
El-Rufai emphasized that the importation of any toxic substance by a government agency must be subject to public scrutiny, given the potential health and security implications.
He urged the ONSA to clarify the purpose of the procurement to reassure Nigerians and preserve public confidence in national institutions.
As of press time, the Office of the National Security Adviser had not issued an official response to the allegations.