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Gov Eno Says Supreme Court Has Settled Case Of Disputed Oil Wells

By
James Orji
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Governor Umo Eno - Akwa Ibom State
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state has called on the people of the state to remain calm in the face of the ongoing contest between the state and Cross Rivers state over 76 oil wells.
According to the governor, there’s no cause for alarm as the Supreme Court, Nigeria’s apex court has already affirmed Akwa Ibom as the legal owners of the disputed oil wells.
In 2012, the Supreme Court awarded the oil wells to Akwa Ibom, but Cross Rivers want the oil wells returned saying the judgment was unfair to the state.
Governor Eno made the assertion, on Sunday while fielding questions from journalists on his arrival at the state, saying he had confidence in the apex court judgment and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ability to defend the law.
Cross Rivers state has been agitating for the Supreme Court judgment, which it described as unjust to be reversed, arguing  that over 60 of the oil wells are under the state’s territory.
But Governor Eno said the apex court judgment has put to rest the dispute, wondering why Cross Rivers have refused to allow the matter to rest, by cooking “up story”.
Two Supreme Court judgments, the governor said, have affirmed the state ownership of the oil wells, that cannot be invalidated.
Eno: “There are two Supreme Court judgments that give Akwa Ibom State the right to those oil wells.
“We are not sharing maritime boundaries with Cross River State but with the Republic of Cameroun, and the Nigerian Supreme Court has said so twice to establish this fact.
“The people on the other side may cook up any story they want; raise propaganda, but this propaganda has no effect in the face of the two Supreme Court decisions establishing our ownership of the oil wells. This is not about sentiments.”
He stressed that President Tinubu will obey the law over the issue, that sentiment should be set aside from facts which established his state ownership of the oil wells l.
“I believe in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; I believe that the rule of law will be respected; I believe that we cannot throw away Supreme Court decisions twice on this particular matter.
“If we were to talk about sentiments, then Cross River State should equally contest the allocation of many Ibibio-speaking villages of Itu LGA in Akwa Ibom State to Cross River State.
“Why are they coming up now to whip up sentiments when irrefutable facts on the oil wells have already been established?” Eno said, urging his people to “remain calm”.

Over N5 Billion, 1000 Shops Lost In Second Kano Market Fire Outbreak, Tinubu Orders Probe

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Fire outbreak at the Singa Market

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An estimated N5 billion worth of goods, and over 1000 shops and business premises were lost in yet another fire outbreak at the popular Singa  Market in Kano at the weekend.

The inferno which razed a substantial part of the market has been adjudged the worst in the history of the biggest Commodity Market in the commercial nerve centre of the Northern region.

The fire outbreak, the second in about two weeks, according to officials, remains one of the worst tragedies that have befallen traders in recent memory.

In an interactive session with the Media on Sunday, February 15, 2026, the chairman of the biggest Commodity Market in the Northern region of Nigeria, Junaid Zakari, informed that four residential buildings  housing small-scale businesses, over 1000 shops laden with goods, equipment, and other essential items worth over N5 billion were lost to the incident.

The Chairman, also, disclosed that seven persons are missing as at the time of the interview with the media. Investigations are ongoing to determine definitively their whereabouts.

While appreciating the efforts of the Kano State authorities, the Kano State Fire Service operatives and other rescuers in controlling the inferno,  Zakari described the unfortunate incident as one that has left a permanent scar on the traders .

Meanwhile , President Bola Tinubu on, Sunday, ,ordered an immediate and unfettered investigation into the latest inferno at the market ,which only about penultimate week witnessed a devastating fire incident that claimed billions of naira worth of goods and properties.

In a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga ,the President expressed serious concern over the repeated incidents of fire outbreak at the popular Market.

According to the President, there is the urgent need to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the persistent cases of inferno ,which leave traders and other market users in despair and severe pain .

While commiserating with the Kano State Government, the victims and the entire Kano residents, the President also expressed profound shock and worry over the heavy losses incurred by the victims .

“The President was particularly alarmed that the latest incident came less than two weeks after another fire destroyed dozens of shops, and property at the same market”, the statement added.

Ondo: Army Guns Down Two Suspected Bandits

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gun down Bandits

By Ayodele Oni

Clearance operation and intensive patrols embarked upon by security agents in Ondo state are yielding result as troops of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army neutralised two suspected armed terrorists during a tactical operation.

The operation, which was carried out on February 14 along the Akunu–Auga road axis, in Akoko area, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected criminal elements within the area.

Sources disclosed that the troops, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Auga, swiftly mobilised to intercept the suspects. A gun battle reportedly ensued when the armed men engaged the soldiers.

Military authorities said two of the suspects were killed during the exchange of fire, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with personnel of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes.

Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 61 rounds of ammunition. Other exhibits recovered were three mobile phones, a jackknife, a torchlight, suspected illicit drugs charms, and the sum of ₦39,000.

The Army said the operation underscored its resolve to curtail criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents across the state.

It added that troops would sustain clearance operations and intensify patrols along identified flashpoints, while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.

Residents were urged to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

Senate Leader: Real-time Election Results Transmission Impossible, Nigeria Not Ready For It

By
James Orji
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Opeyemi Bamidele

Nigeria’ Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has declared that the country is not ready for real-time electronic transmission of election results.

The senator representing Ekiti state in the Upper Chamber of Nigeria’s Legislature said the electricity and telecommunication infrastructure available in the country cannot support the demand by Nigerians that election results be transmitted electronically real-time.

While internet penetration is very low in the country, Bamidele said no fewer than 85 million Nigerians lack access to grid electricity, representing about 43 per cent of the nation’s population.

Bamidele made the remark on Sunday, in a statement, citing data from the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC which exposed gaps in the nation’s telecoms infrastructure.

Recall that the Senate had last week buckled under pressure to amend the Electoral Act to include the electronic transmission of election results, with a caveat that election results can be transmitted manually where internet is not available.

The Senate had provided in the amended Electoral Act 2026 that the Presiding Officer “shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in real time”.

Not a few Nigerians have, however, complained that the amendment fell short of their yearnings for a real-time transmission of election results, which they insist will reduce election results manipulation.

According to Bamidele, it’s desirable that election results be transmitted electronically, as soon as the ballots have been counted, but that the nation’s internet infrastructure cannot support such, citing NCC data which put broadband coverage at 70 per cent and internet penetration at over 44 per cent of the population.

The senator also cited the Speedtest Global Index, which ranked Nigeria 85th out of 105 countries in mobile network reliability and 129th out of 150 countries in fixed broadband reliability.

He stressed that Nigeria’s situation is quite different from other countries where internet penetration is relatively high.

“This is extremely low compared with the UAE, which has 691.76 Mbps; Qatar with 573.53 Mbps; Kuwait’s 415.67 Mbps; Bahrain’s 303.21 Mbps; and Bulgaria’s 289.41 Mbps. The Index placed Nigeria far below the global average,” he said.

He said: Nigeria’s fixed internet broadband rating is quite low by the global standard. Out of 150 countries, Nigeria occupied 129th position with only 33.32 Mbps.”

“This shortfall speaks to the state of our power infrastructure.”

The magazine reports that the House of Representatives has slated an Emergency Sitting for Tuesday, February 17 to address some of the issues generated in 2026 Electoral Act.

Afterwards, the two Chambers, Senate and House of Reps are expected to harmonize the various versions of the Bill for onward transmission to the president for his assent.

Toxic Chemical: Why NSA Reported El-Rufai To DSS, Fmr. Minister To Face Interrogation

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu

By Adesina Soyooye

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, has reported a former  Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Department of State Services, DSS. This stems from El-Rufai’s letter to the NSA where he alleged that the NSA’s office has imported 10 kilograms of a poisonous chemical, Thallium Sulphate, from a supplier in Poland.

A deadly poison,  Thallium Sulphate is odourless and colourless and gradually, but surely kills.

In El-Rufai’s letter to the NSA dated January 30, 2026, he sought clarification as to why such a toxic chemical should be imported into the country through the office of the NSA and for what purpose.

He wrote, in part:

“As part of my duty as a citizen, I wrote to the NSA to seek clarification on reports about the importation by his office of thallium sulphate, a very dangerous toxin, “odourless and colourless’, making its presence even more worrying.”

He described the toxic chemical as extremely hazardous and subject to strict international controls. El-Rufai, also, argued that the alleged importation raised serious questions around public safety and transparency.

He sought from the NSA’s office  the purpose for which the chemical was procured, the intended end-user, the company that supplied it, and whether the importation was authorised under any valid chemical or defence permit.

El-Rufai also requested details on the “exact quantity and concentration reportedly acquired, as well as how the substance would be stored and secured.”

He wanted, also, to know whether relevant regulatory and public-health authorities –  National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control – were involved in assessing potential risks or developing safety and mitigation plans.

He noted: “public confidence in national institutions requires that the matter be addressed promptly and transparently.”

But in a response, the office of the NSA has asked El-Rufai to  submit any evidence he has of such importation to the DSS for investigation.

In the response to El-Rufai’s allegation dated February 13, 2026, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adeyusi, the office of the NSA, denied any such importation, or any plans for such importation.

The letter reads in part: “I have the honour 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).

“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.

“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.”

The letter was delivered to El-Rufai at his Abuja residence on Sunday through his Chief Security Officer.

This is the second serious brush between Ribadu and El-Rufai, two men who were very close friends and worked together during the Presidebcy of both President’s Olusegun Obasanjo and late Muhammadu Buhari.

In an earlier brush a few days ago, El-Rufai had alleged that an order was given by Ribadu to have him arrested at the Airport, or wherever, on his return from Cairo, Egypt, where he,  El-Rufai,  had gone for medical attention. Asked how he knew, El-Rufai said he was told by a yet-to-be named individual who wire-tapped the NSA’s phone.

Not a few people, including the  President’s main Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has called for a thorough investigation into El-Rufai’s claim of wire-tapping the NSA’s phone – something considered an extremely serious security breach.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai is billed to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday February 16, (today)  over allegations of financial inappropriateness when he was Governor of Kaduna State.

It is to be seen if his appearance at the EFCC would mark the beginning of a long spell in detention as he could be transferred from the EFCC to the DSS for investigation into his recent allegations – tapping of the NSA’s phone and the importation of the poisonous chemical- Thallium Sulphate .

Niger CAN Kicks Against Hisbah Law

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State



By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Niger state chapter, has written to the state government over planned move to sign into law a bill on Hisbah, recently passed by the state House of Assembly.

 

CAN Niger State Chapter disclosed that the proposed Hisbah law segregates and discriminate against Christians in the state, warning that “it will only create division amongst the people of the state.”

 

In a statement by the State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna on Sunday, the Association warned that, the Niger State Hisbah Directorate Bill sponsored by the member representing Chanchaga Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar, is a controversial Bill that should not be assented to by the Executive arm of Government.

 

The statement by the Chairman read in part: “Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, we, the entire Christendom in the State wish to draw your attention to what could easily create division amongst the people you govern.

 

“As a matter of urgency, we call on the Speaker and other members of the State House of Assembly to drop the Bill except their aim is to incite and or anger a major group of people.

 

The Chairman, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, asked: Why Hisbah law in Niger? What is the aim? Of what benefit is it to our people economically and socially? Do they (lawmakers) realize that Christians will not be subjected to Hisbah law.

 

It should be recalled that the Chairman of the joint Committee Hon. Isah Muhammad Etsugaie after presenting the report of the House Committees on Religious Affairs and Judiciary and Legal Matters at the plenary of the House in Minna, had claimed that they conducted a public hearing involving critical stakeholders including CAN.

 

But the Chairman reiterated that the Association was never considered a major stakeholder in the state saying “one would wonder whether the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State, was considered or part of it. 

 

“For the records, we, (CAN) as a Body were neither invited nor notified of such public hearing meant for critical stakeholders which obviously further indicates the segregation of Christians in sensitive matters in the state.

 

“Niger state is not predominantly a Muslim State and we should look beyond religious divides and focus on our unity rather than what can easily divide us as a people.

 

“I want to call on our dear Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for the interest of peace and unity not to sign and pass the Bill into law”.

 

While calling on the members of the State House of Assembly to think of better things to do for the people and not to sit and move for controversial laws that will cause unrest in the State, Bishop Yohanna said “by now, we should be thinking of what can strengthen our relationship and not to use religion as a tool.

 

“What is the benefit of the Hisbah Bill to the people; and since the advent of Shari’a, our dear State has suffered economically with businesses packed up, investors and various businessmen and businesswomen relocated to other States where they are thriving and those States have developed economically.”

 

He emphasized that Niger state is religiously a mixed State, adding that “such a law can only further buttress facts that there is truly marginalization of Christians and the Bill can only be perceived as a tool for persecution of our people”. 

 

Furthermore, the statement advised that, there is the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Vigilante Groups and other recognized groups with constitutional powers to operate.

 

He then warned that, the Hisbah law will affect non Muslims especially as the State has a significant Christian population; “and we can not be forced to abide by Islamic laws”, he added.

 

The statement also disclosed that, if signed into law, the Hisbah law will infringe on the constitutional rights of non Muslims.

 

Accordingly, it stated that “the law will pave way for persecution and loss of freedom. The Hisbah law will definitely be a tool for systemic persecution; the harassment of Christians and suppressing of religious freedom.

 

“The assenting and enforcement of Hisbah will be a violation of the Nigerian Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, not Sharia.”

Osun Governorship: PDP Missing As INEC Clears Adeleke, Accord Party, 13 Others

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC)  has cleared 14 political parties to participate in the governorship election of Osun state, slated for August 8 this year.

The personal particulars of candidates and their running mates for the upcoming governorship election in Osun State  were released, except that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) missing.

A statement issued on Sunday by INEC’s Public Affairs Officer in Osun State, Musa Olurode highlighted the development.

The statement, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, confirmed that 14 political parties successfully uploaded the names and required documents of their candidates within the stipulated timeframe.

“The submission followed the conclusion of party primaries and the closure of the designated portal for uploading candidates’ particulars,” the statement said.

The qualifying parties are Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The PDP, which produced the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, is missing in the published list.

INEC explained that the list was released from its headquarters in Abuja after verifying that all submissions met constitutional and regulatory requirements.

The publication was carried out in accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Item 4 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Osun State Governorship Election.

The Commission noted that copies of each candidate’s Form EC9, academic credentials, and other supporting documents will be displayed at its state office and all local government offices.

The documents will be available for inspection from Monday, 16 February 2026, at the state office, all 30 local government area offices, and the area office in Osun State.

“The Commission hereby notifies political parties and the general public that fourteen political parties have successfully complied with the requirements within the stipulated timeframe,” the statement added.

INEC advised political parties, candidates, and members of the public to inspect the published documents as provided by law and clarified that only the fourteen listed parties are eligible to participate in the forthcoming governorship election, having met the necessary conditions within the prescribed period.

Meanwhile, Dr. Agboke reassured stakeholders of the Commission’s commitment to transparency and professionalism.

“The Commission remains firmly committed to the conduct of credible elections in accordance with the law and best democratic practices,” he said.

The election is fixed for August 8, 2026, while political campaigns are slated to kick off on March 11, 2026.

Umahi To Ndigbo: “Tell Our Brother, Peter Obi That It Is Not Yet Our Time To Be President Of Nigeria”

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Dave Umahi and Peter Obi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For the umpteenth time, Engr David Nwaeze Umahi, the Minister of Works, has said it is not yet time for his Igbo kits and Kin to aspire to govern Nigeria at the highest level-

Peter Obi, a former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Umahi insisted, should be so told in a clear and unmistakable terms to  bury his ambition of contesting for the country’s topmost job in 2027 and back the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during an assessment tour of the reconstruction of the Aba end of the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway, Umahi the immediate past Governor of Ebonyi state, expressed serious fears that Obi’s insistence on vying for the Presidency could have disastrous consequences for Ndigbo and South East region.

The Source reports that Obi, who commands a significant following in contemporary Nigeria’s democratic arrangement through his people-centred  and vocal Obidient Movement, has signaled his unflinching commitment and intention to be on the ballot come 2027.

The former LP Presidential flag bearer who is among some prominent political figures behind the emerging opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has also sworn never to be a running mate to anybody in the count down to the 2027 presidential race.

However, Umahi said rather than throwing his hat into the ring, Obi, who is widely perceived as the candidate to beat should subordinate his ambition to a wider South East strategic political blueprint aimed at supporting President Tinubu for a second tenure.

According to the Minister of Works, the president having erased the nightmarish word “marginalization” from the memory of Ndigbo through intentional integration of South Easterners into mainstream governance, deserved to be appreciated and his gestures reciprocated by the people of the region.

“Unless we are not telling ourselves the truth, there is no more marginalization in the South East”, the Works Minister said.

Citing his appointment as the first and only Nigeria’s Minister of Works of Igbo extraction, as well as an avalanche of Federal Government ongoing projects

and  infrastructural facilities in the South East, Umahi explained that it will not augur well for the interest of the region should Obi insist on contesting for the presidency in 2027.

“Before now, the region had never had the opportunity to be appointed to the position of Minister of Works. It is time for the South East to be strategic, and support President Tinubu. We should tell our brother Peter Obi that it is not yet our turn to be president of Nigeria.

“To have given the South East the Minister of Works portfolio, President Tinubu has shown interest and respect for the region. Before now, the region had never occupied the position.

“You can, therefore, see the intention and good heart of the President. So, I believe that the time is now ripe for us to reciprocate his gestures.

“We should not engage in sentiments. We should not engage in non-strategic moves ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We should be bold and sincere enough to tell our brother, Peter Obi that it is not yet our turn. When it is our turn, Nigerians and South Easterners will know that it is truly our turn,

” Never in the history of Nigeria have we, the South East region, benefited so much in terms of Federal Government-backed development projects ,and infrastructural facilities.

” I was a Deputy Governor, and then Governor for eight years, no single Federal Government project came to Ebonyi state throughout the period.

But today, Ebonyi can boast of a number of Federal Government projects that are ongoing. We can boast of trillions of Naira projects ongoing in the South East region just like in other regions of the country” Umahi noted.

He, however, expressed serious concern that these ongoing projects and developmental strides already made may suffer abandonment should President Tinubu not be returned for a second term in office.

El-Rufai Once Masterminded My Abduction, Detention – Activist Kefas Claims

By
Ayodele Oni
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Steven Kefas and Nasir el-Rufai
Steven Kefas and Nasir el-Rufai

By Ayodele Oni

Activist Steven Kefas, has revealed that he was once a victim of abduction and unlawful arrest allegedly masterminded by the former Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai.

Kefas gave an account of the scary story of his alleged abduction and unlawful arrest in 2019 on the orders of El-Rufai when he served as Governor of Kaduna State.

Kefas, who took to his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, February 15, 2026, gave a vivid account of how he was allegedly tracked, trailed, abducted, and unlawfully detained by plainclothes police officers he said were allegedly deployed by El‑Rufai.

The Activist further alleged that El-Rufai’s men followed him to Port Harcourt and arrested him without a valid warrant of arrest.

In the words of Kefas; “The deployed officers on arresting me, immediately seized my phones to prevented me from making calls.

“They also instructed the Mini Okoro Police Station, where I was detained, not to allow anyone to see or speak with me.

“The situation changed around 8 p.m. after I pleaded with a policewoman, who was elderly and compassionate, to help me contact my family.

“The officer used her personal phone to call my brother, a move I believe saved my life and prevented me from the ‘Dadiyata model” outcome,” he explained.

Kefas also alleged that when the officers returned at about 5 a.m. on May 9, 2019, to transport him to Kaduna State, they appeared surprised to discover that news of his abduction had spread across the media.

In his words; “They had no choice but to take me to Kaduna alive”.

Kefas referenced the torturing experience and said; “I had to endure the harsh and tortuous experiences on the way and in detention.

He assured that the details of what took place while he was in prison would be shared at a later date and time.

Kefas disclosure comes as El-Rufai on Friday on Arise Television programme, alleged a plot to abduct him from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

El-Rufai alleged that Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met and decided on his abduction.

Again, El-Rufai Accuses NSA Of Importing Poisonous Chemical Into Nigeria, Demands Purpose

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu
Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu

By Ayodele Oni

As altercations between the office of the National Security Adviser and former Governor of Kaduna state gets messier, the social media is awash with a letter written by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai accusing the National Security Adviser, (NSA) to the President, Nuhu Ribadu of allegedly importing into the country poisonous substance allegedly meant for assassination.

Former Kaduna State Governor’s letter was dated January 30, 2026, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, and received on February 11, 2026 by ONSA. In the letter, El-Rufai is seeking clarification over the alleged procurement of a toxic chemical substance, Thallium Sulphate, reportedly by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

In a letter addressed to the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja, acting “as a concerned citizen” in requesting details about what he described as the procurement of “approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate” allegedly sourced from a supplier in Poland.

According to Science Direct, Thallium sulfate is a highly toxic, tasteless, odourless, and colourless crystalline powder, historically used as a potent rodenticide and insecticide.

Due to extreme toxicity, with a human fatal dose as low as 8–12 mg/kg, it is tightly restricted or banned in many countries.

It mimics potassium in the body, causing severe nervous system damage, hair loss, and potential death.

The letter, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” raised a number of questions about the purpose, regulatory compliance and safety arrangements surrounding the reported acquisition.

“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 substances, I believe it is important – for public safety, democratic accountability and for maintaining public trust – to confirm the following details.

“The intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate. The supplier identity and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit.

“The total quantity and specific form or concentration being procured or already procured. The storage and security arrangements for the material upon arrival.

“The regulatory oversight and coordination in place with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies. Whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.”

El-Rufai emphasised that his inquiry was not intended to inflame tensions, but to ensure due process and transparency.

“I want to stress that this inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed.

“Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed,” he stated.

He further requested continued engagement from the National Security Adviser’s office, writing, “If possible, I would appreciate a response or a point of contact within your office for further engagement to reassure those of us that are Nigerian citizens in opposition.”

El-Rufai further revealed that copies of the correspondence are sent to the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as well as the National Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

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