El-Rufai Writes NSA Over Alleged Importation of Dangerous Chemical

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that he wrote to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, seeking clarification over reports that his office allegedly imported thallium sulphate, a highly dangerous substance.

El-Rufai described the chemical as a serious concern and said his action was part of his duty as a citizen. In response, the Office of the National Security Adviser denied the allegation and asked El-Rufai to submit any evidence to the Department of State Services for investigation.

El-Rufai wrote on his verified social media page: “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.”

In response, the office of the national security adviser (ONSA) has directed El-Rufai to submit evidence of the alleged procurement of thallium sulphate to the DSS for further investigation. In a reply by OM Adesuyi, a brigadier general, signing on behalf of Ribadu, the ONSA acknowledged receipt of El-Rufai’s correspondence and denied the allegation.

The statement signed by Adesuyi stated in the letter: “ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so.” Furthermore, the letter stated that the matter had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation, and that El-Rufai and other parties in possession of relevant information would be invited by the service to provide evidence.