The Digest:
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has asked former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai to submit any evidence supporting his allegation that the NSA's office procured 10 kilograms of toxic thallium sulphate from a Polish supplier to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation. In a February 13 response signed by Brig.-Gen. O.M. Adesuyi, ONSA denied any involvement, stating it "has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material." The letter confirmed the matter has been formally referred to the DSS for a comprehensive probe, adding that el-Rufai and others with relevant information will be invited to provide evidence. The response follows el-Rufai's formal letter demanding clarification on the alleged procurement of the highly toxic, colourless and odourless substance.
Key Points:
- The referral to DSS shifts burden of proof onto el-Rufai to substantiate explosive allegations.
- It escalates the political feud into an official investigation with potential legal consequences.
- El-Rufai faces scrutiny to produce evidence, while ONSA clears itself pending investigation.
- This signals the seriousness with which national security procurement allegations are treated.
- The timing, amid ongoing political tensions, raises stakes for both parties.
El-Rufai must now provide evidence to the DSS, as the investigation determines whether his allegations have merit or constitute unfounded claims against a national security agency.
Sources: Vanguard, ONSA Letter, DSS
