DSS Investigates Nasir El‑Rufai After ONSA Refers Phone Interception and Toxic Chemical Allegations
✍️ By Tobi | February 16, 2026 | 12:05 PM
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has been officially drawn into the controversy surrounding former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai after the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) referred his allegations to the service for investigation, according to letters circulating today.
El‑Rufai had earlier written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming information available to opposition leaders indicated that about 10 kilograms of the highly toxic chemical thallium sulphate had been procured by the NSA’s office — a claim Ribadu’s office has denied.
In response, ONSA in a letter signed on behalf of Ribadu and dated February 13, 2026 denied the chemical procurement allegation and confirmed that the matter has been formally referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation. The response urged El‑Rufai and any other parties with relevant information to cooperate and supply evidence as part of the probe.
News reports today also highlight that El‑Rufai claims to have accessed an intercepted telephone conversation involving Ribadu, which he suggested included instructions to security operatives. This allegation has further intensified public debate and calls for official proceedings, with some legal experts describing the phone‑tapping claim as potentially “a grave breach of national security protocol.”
While ONSA’s referral to the DSS signals a formal investigative step, there are no public announcements yet confirming that the DSS has filed charges against El‑Rufai or initiated prosecution. It remains to be seen whether he will be called in for questioning or whether further legal action will follow as the situation develops.
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