By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), has broken his silence following a series of public allegations by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, denying any wrongdoing and asking for evidence to be formally submitted to security agencies for investigation.
The response comes after El-Rufai accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of procuring about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical, allegedly from a supplier in Poland.
El-Rufai shared a copy of his letter calling for clarification and transparency on reports of the procurement, describing the substance as “odourless and colourless” and potentially dangerous.
In a statement issued by ONSA on Sunday, Ribadu’s office denied the allegation, saying the claim is unsubstantiated and wrong.
The office said it has referred the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS), urging El-Rufai to submit any concrete evidence he may have rather than making public accusations.
The NSA’s response emphasised that allegations of this nature should be handled through formal channels and investigated professionally, not through social media posts or public speculation. Ribadu’s office said the referral to the DSS will allow a thorough review of the claims under proper authority.
El-Rufai’s allegations have drawn mixed reactions across political and civil society circles, with some critics dismissing his claims outright and others calling for a formal inquiry.
