El-Rufai vs Ribadu: Poison Allegations, Illegal Wiretapping Claims, and the Dangerous Precedent We Cannot Ignore as Nigeria Heads Toward 2027 Elections

The recent allegations leveled by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai against National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu have escalated into a major national controversy, especially as Nigeria edges closer to the intense 2027 election cycle (with FCT council polls this weekend and full campaigns accelerating soon).

These claims, made publicly in late January and amplified in a February 13, 2026, Arise TV interview, center on serious accusations involving national security, potential abuse of power, and now cybercrime implications.

Key Allegations by El-Rufai

El-Rufai has made multiple pointed claims against Ribadu and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA):

1. Alleged Procurement of Toxic Chemicals— In a January 30, 2026, letter to Ribadu (made public later), El-Rufai raised concerns about reports of ONSA procuring around 10 kg of thallium sulphate (a highly toxic, colorless, odorless substance often linked to poisoning/assassinations, as it can mimic natural causes like kidney/heart failure). He described it as a “grave public concern” and sought clarification, framing it as information available to opposition leaders.

   – Ribadu/ONSA denied the allegation outright, referred the matter to the State Security Service (SSS/DSS) for investigation, and challenged El-Rufai to provide evidence.

2. Interception of Ribadu’s Phone Communications— During the Arise TV appearance, El-Rufai claimed that an intercepted/tapped phone conversation revealed Ribadu personally ordering his (El-Rufai’s) arrest and detention upon arrival in Nigeria (related to an alleged attempted abduction/detention by DSS/ICPC).

He stated he learned of the plan because “someone tapped his [Ribadu’s] phone,” admitted the act was illegal, but argued it mirrored how authorities monitor calls without warrants.

   – This admission triggered immediate backlash, with critics (including presidency allies) calling it a confession to illegal wiretapping and a threat to national security.

Government’s Response and Legal Escalation

– On February 16, 2026 (today), the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

  – Count 1: Admitting unlawful interception of Ribadu’s phone communications.

  – Count 2: Knowing individuals who carried out the interception but failing to report them.

  – Count 3: Using technical equipment/systems that compromised public safety, national security, and instilled apprehension of insecurity.

– The charges stem directly from El-Rufai’s televised statements, describing the act (and admission) as endangering national security. Prosecutors argue unnamed accomplices remain at large.

– This follows other pressures: EFCC interrogation of El-Rufai on separate corruption allegations (with supporter protests and teargassing reported), and broader scrutiny of his past administration.

Why This Should Not Be Swept Under the Carpet — Especially Now

With Nigeria entering full pre-election mode (2027 polls formally set, informal campaigns raging, and loyalty tests like Wike’s FCT stance already heating up), dismissing or burying these allegations risks normalizing dangerous precedents:

– National Security & Abuse of Power— If true, procuring lethal toxins or ordering politically motivated arrests/abductions by top security officials would represent gross misuse of state apparatus.

If false, public claims of such acts (especially by a major opposition figure) erode trust in institutions and could incite instability.

– Election-Time Risks— Nigeria’s history shows political violence spikes during campaigns: assassinations, kidnappings, and intimidation often target rivals, whistleblowers, or defectors.

Allegations involving poisons (thallium is historically tied to covert eliminations) or extrajudicial orders raise red flags about potential foul play against critics like El-Rufai (now aligned with opposition coalitions dissatisfied with Tinubu).

– Transparency & Accountability— Sweeping it aside fuels perceptions of selective justice or cover-ups, especially when El-Rufai faces rapid charges for his statements while the underlying claims (chemical imports, arrest orders) remain unprobed publicly.

A full, independent investigation (perhaps judicial inquiry) is essential to clarify facts before escalation.

– Precedent for 2027— As coalitions form, defections occur, and rhetoric sharpens, unresolved accusations of state-sponsored threats could embolden or deter actors, heighten paranoia, and increase real risks of violence.

Public figures like El-Rufai (influential in northern politics) being targeted (or perceived as such) could polarize regions further.

This feud — once allies under Obasanjo — has become a flashpoint exposing deep fractures in the ruling elite.

Rather than partisan noise or quick charges, Nigeria needs transparent probes into **all** angles: the wiretap claim, alleged chemical procurement, and any abuse of security agencies.

Letting it fade risks turning whispers of foul play into louder, more dangerous realities as elections approach. The stakes are too high for silence.

Pamela O. ,Political commentator writes.