.As ex-Gov seeks NSA’s clarification over alleged importation of toxic chemical
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Tensions heightened on Sunday as a coalition of Niger Delta groups urged President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged remarks suggesting a breach of national security.
The coalition claimed that El-Rufai, during a national television interview last Friday, allegedly disclosed that an individual tapped the phone of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, enabling him to listen to private conversations.
Describing the statement as “deeply troubling” and “a direct assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s security architecture,” the groups warned that if such an interception occurred, it could constitute a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law.
They stressed that the Office of the National Security Adviser plays a pivotal role in coordinating intelligence and safeguarding the country against internal and external threats, adding any compromise of its communication channels could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability.
In a joint statement signed by Ifeanyi Blackson, Abbey Georgewill, Ediri Tare Ogheneovo, Nsika Okon Moses, Toritseju Menetie and Akintoye Adedeji Prince, the coalition called for El-Rufai’s arrest and a comprehensive probe by security agencies.
Blackson maintained that the alleged admission, if verified, represents “a grave violation of national security protocols” and urged that El-Rufai be invited for questioning by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Georgewill emphasised that no political ambition should supersede the sanctity of Nigeria’s intelligence institutions, calling on the Federal Government to act decisively to reassure citizens that the nation’s security framework remains intact.
Ogheneovo described the development as “an alarming revelation,” insisting that any unauthorised interception of the NSA’s communications must attract swift legal consequences, irrespective of status or influence.
Moses argued that the matter transcends partisan politics, warning that failure to investigate could set a dangerous precedent in which sensitive state communications are treated lightly.
Menetie called for transparency in any investigative process, stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity on whether such a breach occurred and, if so, who was responsible.
Prince urged President Tinubu to demonstrate zero tolerance for any action capable of undermining national security institutions, insisting that accountability is vital to maintaining public trust.
The coalition further appealed to security agencies, including the DSS and other relevant authorities, to launch a full-scale and independent investigation.
They added El-Rufai should provide detailed clarification, including the identity of the individual who allegedly carried out the phone interception and the circumstances under which the information was obtained.
As at the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from El-Rufai addressing the coalition’s demands, nor any confirmation from federal authorities on whether an investigation had commenced.
The development has sparked debate across political and civil society circles, with observers cautioning that if not handled transparently and lawfully, the matter could deepen political divisions at a time when national unity and security cohesion remain crucial.
However, El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, under 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, where he shared a copy of a letter addressed 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.
In the letter, he said information available to opposition political leaders indicated that the ONSA had reportedly procured approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
Describing thallium salts as highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, El-Rufai said public safety, democratic accountability and trust in national institutions required immediate clarification.
He requested details on the intended purpose and end-use of the chemical, the identity of the supplier, and whether the importation was carried out under an existing chemical or defence permit.
El-Rufai also sought clarification on the total quantity and specific form or concentration procured, as well as storage and security arrangements upon arrival.
The former governor further asked about 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.
“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,” he added.
