Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has publicly accused National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu of importing approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical, from Poland.

In a letter dated January 30, 2026, which he shared on X (formerly Twitter), El-Rufai demanded urgent clarification on the procurement, describing the substance as a “very dangerous,” colourless, and odourless toxin.

He said the information available to opposition political leaders suggested that the ONSA recently brought in about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a foreign supplier.

“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,” El-Rufai said, adding that the substance was “odourless and colourless”, making its presence even more worrying.

In the letter, the former governor described thallium compounds as extremely hazardous and subject to strict international controls, arguing that the alleged importation raised serious questions around public safety and transparency.

He asked the security office to state 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 further requested details on the exact quantity and concentration reportedly acquired, as well as how the substance would be stored and secured.

He also sought to know whether relevant regulatory and public-health authorities, including the 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.

According to him, “public confidence in national institutions” requires that the matter be addressed promptly and transparently.

The Office of the National Security Adviser had not issued any official response as of press time.

The Federal Government has issued an urgent warning to Nigerians against accepting offers to participate in foreign armed conflicts.

This warning follows reports of Nigerians being lured into combat zones specifically the Russia-Ukraine war under false pretences.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that Nigerians are being recruited through deceptive offers, including promises of high-paying jobs, security positions, educational opportunities, or fast-tracked migration.

Victims have reportedly been coerced into signing military service contracts often in foreign languages and transported to conflict zones, with their travel documents allegedly confiscated upon arrival.

This was disclosed in a statement by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday.

“We are deeply concerned about reports that some Nigerian citizens are being misled into participating in foreign armed conflicts. Such actions endanger lives and may violate both Nigerian and international laws on mercenary activities.

“Citizens must not accept any offer that involves fighting in conflicts abroad outside approved government frameworks,” the statement said.

According to security sources and media investigations, recruitment tactics often involve signing bonuses, promises of high monthly salaries, and even foreign citizenship incentives.

Intermediaries are said to facilitate travel using tourist or non-military visas, deceiving recruits into dangerous situations.

The Federal Government said it is taking steps to counter this threat.

Nigerian missions abroad have been instructed to strengthen consular vigilance and issue timely advisories to nationals, while domestic authorities are working with international partners to investigate recruitment networks.

Ebienfa added, “Parents, guardians, and community leaders must actively educate young Nigerians about the risks of deceptive foreign recruitment schemes.

“Citizens should always verify overseas employment or study offers through official channels and report suspicious activities immediately.”

The Ministry reiterated that Nigeria is committed to safeguarding its citizens’ welfare and dignity at home and abroad, emphasizing that Nigerians must never be exploited or trafficked into foreign conflicts.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, on Friday elevated 14 high chiefs and Baales in Oyo town to the status of crown-wearing Obas.

Representing the governor, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal presented the staff and instruments of office at a coronation ceremony held at Oliveth Heights in Oyo West Local Government Area.

The elevation is intended to strengthen traditional institutions and enhance grassroots governance.

The newly elevated monarchs include the Alaaguo of Aguoland, Oba David Oyediran; the Baba Eyaji of Oyo, Oba Afonja Mukaila; the Alajagba of Oyo, Oba Samuel Odurinde; the Ona-Isokun of Oyo, Oba Isiaka Tella-Titiloye; the Onimileke of Imileke, Oyo, Oba Fakayode Alowonle; the Onigbudugbu of Gbudugbu, Oyo, Oba Salawu Oyeniran; the Oloodu of Ojongbodu, Oba Olaniyi Adegboye; and the Alapa-Ara of Apa-Ara, Oba Tijani Ajeigbe.

Others are the Onidode of Idodeland, Oba Oyeleke Yusuff; the Iba Samu of Oyo Empire, Oba Lamidi Jimoh; the Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja Land, Oba Ganiyu Busari; the Agbaaki of Oyo, Oba Asimiyu Jimoh; the Alakeitan of Akeitan, Oba Jimoh Oyeleye; and the Elepe of Iseke, Oba Abel Oyekan.

Makinde, whose speech was read by his deputy, said the elevation of the chiefs underscored his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace and development at the grassroots.

He, therefore, congratulated the newly crowned monarchs, saying their ascension to the status of crown-wearing Obas was both a recognition of their leadership and a reaffirmation of the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in governance, peacebuilding, and grassroots community development.

The governor said, “The State Government holds traditional rulers in high esteem because of their roles as custodians of culture, promoters of unity and partners in progress.

“I want to urge you all (the monarchs) to uphold integrity, fairness and service to your people. Your reigns should be characterized by peace, inclusiveness and support for government programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare in their domains.”

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, described the event as historic and culturally significant, adding that it represented not just the installation of royal fathers but a reaffirmation of Oyo’s rich heritage and enduring traditions.

He said the Yoruba traditional institution, one of the oldest and most revered in Africa, remains central to governance, culture, and unity in Oyo land.

“The beaded crown is a sacred symbol of authority, service and divine responsibility, and those who wear it are called to lead with integrity, courage and compassion.”

The commissioner commended the governor for approving and sponsoring the programme, adding that the coronation of 14 Obas at once symbolised unity, continuity, and renewal within Oyo land.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers for conflict resolution, cultural preservation, and community mobilisation.

Dignitaries at the event included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; former Speaker of the state Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; members of the 10th Oyo Assembly from the Oyo geopolitical zone; top government functionaries; and political leaders.

The PUNCH reports that the Supreme Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has been asked to restrain the state government from creating, recognising, or elevating the chieftaincy stool of Baale Ago-Oja, pending the determination of an appeal before it.

In a motion on notice dated January 30, 2026, and filed in Appeal No. SC/404/2018, the Alaafin of Oyo is seeking orders of interlocutory and mandatory injunctions against the Governor of Oyo State and the Attorney-General of Oyo State.

The motion, brought pursuant to Order 2 Rule 28(1) of the Supreme Court Rules, 2014 (as amended), and the inherent powers of the court under Section 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, seeks to halt all actions relating to the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy pending the final determination of the appeal.

The suit was instituted by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

The Alaafin is asking the apex court to restrain the governor and the attorney-general from “creating or re-creating, establishing or re-establishing the chieftaincy stool of Baale Ago-Oja” and from “appointing, approving or recognising” Alhaji Ganiyu Busari as holder of the stool.

He is also seeking an order restraining the state government from “recognising or further recognising, dealing or further dealing with” Busari as Baale Ago-Oja, as well as stopping any elevation of the chieftaincy from Part III (Minor Chief) to Part II (Recognised Chief).

In addition, the applicant is asking the court to restrain the respondents from “installing or crowning the appellant as the Oloja of Ago-Oja on February 13, 2026, at Olivet High School, Oyo, or at any other venue whatsoever.”

The motion further urges the Supreme Court to set aside Oyo State Gazette No. 01, Vol. 50 of January 17, 2025, “in so far as it relates to the elevation of the Baale Ago-Oja chieftaincy.”

According to the motion, “any attempt to revive, recognise or elevate a chieftaincy stool already declared non-existent by courts of competent jurisdiction amounts to a disregard of subsisting judgments and is capable of prejudicing the appeal now pending before this Honourable Court.”

The applicant, therefore, urged the apex court to “grant the reliefs sought and make such further orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit in the circumstances of this case.”

The appeal and accompanying motion are yet to be fixed for hearing.