Pro-democracy advocacy group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has criticised the decision of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to refer allegations by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.
The group described the move as a “resort to self-help” and potentially unlawful, urging the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to instead seek judicial redress.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA argued that the appropriate course of action would be for the NSA to institute a suit before either the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory or the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.
According to the group, such a step would provide an independent platform for adjudication and afford all parties the opportunity to present evidence in line with Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, which vests judicial powers in the courts.
Allegation and denial
HURIWA recalled that El-Rufai, in a letter dated January 30, 2026, addressed to the NSA, sought “clarification and reassurance” over what he described as information available to opposition figures concerning the alleged procurement of about 10 kilogrammes of thallium sulphate by ONSA from a supplier in Poland.
The former governor, who shared the letter on his official X handle, noted that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly regulated substances, stressing the need for transparency in matters touching on public safety and democratic accountability.
However, ONSA, in a response signed by Brig.-Gen. OM Adesuyi on behalf of Ribadu, denied the allegation. The office stated that it had neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.
The letter further indicated that the matter had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation and that El-Rufai and other parties with relevant information would be invited to provide evidence.
‘Might is right’ approach
HURIWA faulted this approach, contending that since security institutions such as the DSS operate under the coordination of the NSA’s office, referring the matter to the service could be perceived as using state machinery against a political opponent.
“The government should avoid exercising powers and authority in such a way that it would be interpreted that the political opposition leadership are under a military-styled repression,” the group stated.
It maintained that dragging El-Rufai before the DSS amounted to the NSA acting as “both prosecutor and judge” in a matter in which his office was directly accused.
“The office of the NSA should go to court and allow for adjudication of the matter by an institution that is not affiliated to it. Let this matter go to the court of law so all parties can exercise their fundamental freedoms to disclose whatever information they have,” HURIWA said.
The group insisted that only a court of competent jurisdiction could guarantee transparency, fairness and public confidence in the resolution of the controversy.
HURIWA faults NSA over DSS probe, urges court action
