Ribadu to El-Rufai: Submit proof to DSS over toxic chemical claims

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has challenged former Kaduna State governor, Mr Nasir El-Rufai, to present any evidence he has regarding the alleged purchase of thallium sulphate to the Department of State Services (DSS) for proper investigation.

Mr El-Rufai had earlier accused the office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Mr Nuhu Ribadu, of secretly procuring the chemical substance, which he claimed was sourced from a supplier in Poland. He also demanded an urgent explanation from the federal security agency.

Thallium sulphate is a highly toxic compound. It is colourless, odourless, and can be fatal to humans even in small quantities.

In response to the allegation, ONSA firmly denied any involvement in the purchase or attempted acquisition of the substance. The office stated that at no time did it authorise, initiate, or plan to procure thallium sulphate.

According to a formal letter sent to El-Rufai, the security agency has now referred the matter to the DSS for a comprehensive probe. The letter, dated February 13, 2026, was written by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the National Security Adviser.

READ ALSO: El-Rufai alleges Ribadu’s office imported toxic chemical from Poland, seeks answers

TheCable reported that when a dispatch officer initially attempted to deliver the letter to El-Rufai’s Abuja residence, security operatives declined to accept it. They reportedly explained that the head of security was not present and said they were unsure when the former governor would return.

However, the document was eventually delivered on Sunday, when the head of security signed for and received it on El-Rufai’s behalf.

In the letter, Adesuyi acknowledged receipt of El-Rufai’s earlier correspondence dated February 11, 2026, in which the former governor sought clarification over what he described as the procurement of about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate by ONSA.

The response also noted that Mr El-Rufai had claimed the information surrounding the alleged transaction was available to members of the political opposition. On that basis, ONSA stated that the accusation had been forwarded to the DSS for a detailed investigation.

The letter added that Mr El-Rufai and any other individuals who may have relevant information would be formally invited by the DSS to provide evidence to support the claims, in order to establish the facts and ensure due process.

ONSA concluded by restating that it has never procured the toxic substance and has no intention of doing so.

Other reactions

Meanwhile, the controversy has sparked reactions from political figures. Former Senator representing Kaduna State, Mr Shehu Sani, has urged the former governor of the state to address the allegations against him and clear his name, rather than diverting attention with ‘phantom claims’ against Mr Ribadu.

“The ex-Governor of Kaduna State should focus on the allegations before him and clear his name instead of diverting attention with his purported and phantom claims against NSA Ribadu.

READ ALSO: Kaduna Debt: El-Rufai borrowed $343m and N37bn in 8 years

“Why the delay in disclosing such sensitive information to the public until he was invited? His antics and deceptions should be ignored.”

Similarly, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Ayekooto Akindele, said Mr El-Rufai’s fresh allegation against Ribadu was only an attempt to escape being jailed.

“Again, having openly confessed to a criminal act of hacking on a live TV, he knows that tomorrow may be the beginning of series of trials from the DSS, EFCC, ICPC among others.

“He’s now looking for a way to dodge detention and possible jail. So by alleging poison importation, he is trying to say that detention or cell facilities are suspicious. Unfortunately, he’s just being silly, wasting his hypocritical time.”

Also, a human rights lawyer, Mr Deji Adeyanju, has dismissed El-Rufai’s allegations levelled against Mr Ribadu, saying that although there is a possibility that the office imported the substance, Mr El-Rufai cannot be trusted, describing the former governor as an unrepentant liar.

“It is possible the NSA’s office imported toxic materials into the country, but because it is coming from El-Rufai, I consider it a lie and his usual propaganda,” he wrote on his X on Sunday,

“El-Rufai is an unrepentant liar, a bigot, and a person without shame. He once said GEJ had a sniper list of critics.”