Nigeria’s political class has been thrown into turmoil following revelations by former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El‑Rufai, Against the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), headed by Nuhu Ribadu.
Malam El‑Rufai had alleged that the ONSA imported Thallium Sulphate, a highly toxic compound historically linked to covert assassinations.
The Leak and Its Implications
A widely circulated post by civic advocacy platform, Occupy Nigeria, described the alleged leak as “terrifying” if true.
The group noted that it compromises both the physical and ethical security of the ONSA.
The report suggests that El‑Rufai’s claims point to two alarming issues:
- Compromised security: Allegations that ONSA communications were bugged and tapped.
- Questionable procurement: Claims that the agency bypassed regulatory bodies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Ministry of Health to import a globally banned toxin.
Citizen Kicks
In his tweet, citizen Obiasogu David wondered how safe the country could be with Ribadu if the National Security Adviser’s office could be breached.
He posted: “Come to think of it, El-Rufai revealed his team tapped into the calls of Nuhu Ribadu, who heads the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“Ribadu, is in charge of Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC), a branch of the ONSA that detects, analyzes, and responds to cyber threats.
“The core of its duty is to strengthen national digital intelligence.
“If El-Rufai could conveniently tap into the calls and have access to the digital footprints of Ribadu, the head of ONSA, whose job is to ensure such an incident doesn’t occur, does it not prove that Ribadu is utterly incompetent?”
He noted that by that exposure, El-Rufai has reduced Ribadu to an incompetent fellow who can’t be trusted to secure the federal government’s digital intelligence.
“I won’t be surprised if Tinubu is reimagining Ribadu’s role following El-Rufai’s revelation, which threatens his (own) privacy and security!” he concluded.
Lawyer Faults Charges
A lawyer, Barrister Inibehe Effiong, faulted the charges by Nigerian Government itself.
He wrote: “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has been charged with cybercrime for alleging wiretapping the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Rubadu.
“Looking at this charge, I have a few issues with it.
“Firstly, there is no entity known to law as Department of State Services (DSS) as stated in this charge.
“The National Security Agencies Act only recognizes and creates the State Security Service (SSS).
“Secondly, the said Act does not vest the SSS with prosecutorial power.
“Thirdly, does El-Rufai’s statement on Arise TV qualify as an “extrajudicial statement” under the law, same having not been made under caution?
“For a statement to be extrajudicial and confessional, it has to be under caution.
“He didn’t say he wiretapped the NSA, he said someone else did and told him.
“The constitutional right against self-incrimination will inure in his favour.
“No court can compel him to give evidence against himself… this charge appears problematic in law.”
The Poison: Thallium Sulphate
Thallium, often dubbed the “Poisoner’s Poison,” is:
- Invisible: Odourless, colourless, and tasteless, dissolving easily in water.
- Lethal: Mimics potassium in the body, leading to organ failure and neurological collapse.
- Cruel: Causes hair loss, excruciating pain, and slow death over days or weeks.
El‑Rufai’s letter reportedly mentioned ten kilograms of Thallium Sulphate.
Experts warn that this quantity is not for laboratory use but represents a “murder quantity,” theoretically capable of killing 10,000 people.
Political Shockwaves
Opposition politicians are said to be in shock, with many fearful for their lives.
The idea that such a lethal substance could be imported under government authority has raised suspicions of either:
-
A rogue operation within the security apparatus, or
-
A state‑sanctioned program with executive awareness.
Civil society groups have demanded transparency, warning that the allegations, if true, erode public trust and threaten Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
Accountability Questions
El‑Rufai’s petition reportedly seeks clarification on:
-
The purpose and end‑use of the chemical.
-
The supplier’s identity and permits under which it was procured.
-
Storage and safeguards to prevent misuse.
-
Oversight by agencies such as NAFDAC and the NCDC.
Fallout and Next Steps
The controversy is expected to trigger investigations by regulatory agencies and possible legislative hearings.
Analysts warn that unless the government provides clear explanations, the incident could deepen political mistrust and fuel fears of targeted repression.
This revelation raises fundamental questions about chemical safety, democratic oversight, and governance transparency in Nigeria.
For opposition politicians, the alleged importation of Thallium Sulphate has become more than a policy issue — it is now a matter of survival.
