Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has asked the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to explain reports that the NSA’s office imported ‘thallium sulphate’, a highly dangerous chemical.
In a letter titled, “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” El-Rufai posed several questions for Ribadu to answer.
The letter reads: “Dear National Security Adviser, I hope this message finds you well. 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.
“Given that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled, I believe it is important for public safety, democratic accountability, and public trust to confirm the following details:
“1. The intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate.
“2. The supplier’s identity and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit.
“3. The total quantity and the specific form or concentration procured or being procured.
“4. The storage and security arrangements for the material upon arrival.
“5. The regulatory oversight and coordination with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public health and environmental agencies.
“6. Whether any public health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been put in place, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.
“I want to stress that this inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure due process, safety standards, and transparency are observed. Public confidence in national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed.”
The development follows reactions to El-Rufai’s claim that Ribadu’s telephone was tapped.
During an interview on ARISE Television, El-Rufai accused Ribadu of planning his arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday.
He said the call came to his attention after Ribadu’s phone was tapped by a source he could not identify. “The government believes it is the only one that listens to calls, but we also have our ways. He made the call and gave the order. Someone tapped his phone. The government listens to our calls all the time without a court order. Someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order,” he said.
The former Kaduna governor, who has often accused the current administration of a witch-hunt, has promised to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday, following an invitation he received while overseas.
