*Raging Matter Latest Episode Ahead 2027
“…the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation. Your Excellency and other parties involved, who may possess relevant information relating to this claim will be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation…”
With this, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu served notice to former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, of an imminent invitation by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the opposition politician’s claim that the NSA imported a killer, toxic poison from Poland.
The Presidency has called for an investigation into El-Rufai’s claim, saying if found without substance, the ex-governor should be punished.
El-Rufai’s accusation is the latest episode in the drama between him and the government of President Bola Tinubu.
Episode one of the series kicked off in 2023 shortly after the former All Progressives Congress (APC) titan, who was a strong Tinubu ally, had his Ministerial nomination by the President stood down by the Senate which cited security issues raised by relevant security agencies.
Apparently disappointed by the development, El-Rufai pointed accusing fingers directly at the President whom he accused of not wanting him in his government -a claim flatly denied by the Presidency.
In the current episode, after the Abuja airport drama few days ago in which he resisted arrest by security agents, following intervention by a crowd of his supporters upon his return from Cairo, Egypt, El-Rufai accused Ribadu of importing 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate and sought clarification over the purpose of the “urgent transaction.”
When he got home from the airport, El-Rufai had received, later that night, fellow opposition heavyweight and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who condemned the arrest bid.
El-Rufai seized the opportunity to declare that Tinubu must leave office in 2027, restating his personal determination to see to it.
As the purported poison importation matter blew into the public domain, in a swift response the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) requested for proof from the former governor.
It also told him to submit such evidence to the DSS for further investigation even as he was warned to await DSS’ quizzing to unravel the bottom of the sordid controversy.
Thallium sulphate is a highly toxic, colourless and odourless compound that can kill humans in small doses.
According to an online newspaper, a copy of the response sent to El-Rufai’s Abuja address was rejected by the security operatives on duty.
The security operatives reportedly told the dispatch clerk that the head of security was not on seat at the moment and that they did not have an idea when El-Rufai would visit.
However, the response was eventually delivered yesterday and the head of security signed and received it on behalf of El-Rufai.
Written by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi, on behalf of the NSA, the letter was reportedly dated 13 February, 2026.
Adesuyi wrote: “I have the honour to present the compliments of the National Security Adviser and to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s correspondence received on 11 February 2026 requesting clarification regarding the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“The correspondence further indicated that information concerning the purported procurement is reportedly available to the political opposition leadership. In this regard, I am directed to respectfully convey that ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so.
“However, I am further directed to state that the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation. Your Excellency and other parties involved, who may possess relevant information relating to this claim will be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation, establishing the facts and ensuring due diligence.
“Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards of the National Security Adviser.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: El-Rufai (l) and Ribadu.
