El-Rufai Accuses NSA Ribadu's Office of Importing Dangerous Poison
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has formally written to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu seeking urgent clarification over alarming reports that Ribadu's office allegedly imported thallium sulphate, a highly dangerous toxin, into Nigeria. The political opposition leader made this serious allegation public through a social media post on Sunday, February 15, 2026, describing the substance as extremely hazardous to public safety.
Official Letter Delivered to NSA Office
A verified copy of El-Rufai's letter, which was delivered to the National Security Adviser's office on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, reveals the former governor's deep concerns about the potential importation of this toxic substance. In his correspondence, El-Rufai emphasized his civic duty to seek transparency regarding such serious security matters that could potentially endanger Nigerian citizens.
El-Rufai wrote on his verified social media account: "As part of my responsibility as a concerned citizen, I have formally written to the National Security Adviser to request clarification about disturbing reports concerning the importation of thallium sulphate by his office. This substance represents a very dangerous toxin that poses significant risks. It becomes particularly alarming when anyone imports poison into the country, especially an odourless and colourless variety that could be difficult to detect."
Previous Allegations of Arrest Orders
This latest development follows previous accusations made by El-Rufai against Ribadu regarding alleged arrest orders. The former governor recently claimed that Ribadu personally ordered his detention and was responsible for an attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, February 12. During an interview with Arise Television on Friday, February 13, the African Democratic Congress chieftain provided detailed accounts of the airport incident.
According to eyewitness reports, security officials briefly restrained El-Rufai and confiscated his international passport shortly after his arrival from Egypt. The former governor was eventually escorted out of the airport amid supportive chants from gathered supporters. El-Rufai further alleged that opposition members had intercepted a phone conversation in which Ribadu allegedly directed security operatives to detain him.
Ongoing Legal Matters and Political Context
El-Rufai currently faces investigations with both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission. Meanwhile, political sources within opposition circles have confirmed that El-Rufai is not planning to contest any elective position in the upcoming 2027 elections. Instead, the former governor appears focused on mobilizing opposition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's potential second-term agenda.
A prominent associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has now aligned with El-Rufai's political efforts, revealed that the former Kaduna governor's primary objective involves challenging Tinubu's administration and its political allies. This developing situation represents another significant chapter in Nigeria's ongoing political dynamics, with serious implications for national security discourse and political accountability.
