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El-Rufai Visits Former Aide Bashir Sa’idu in Prison Following Corruption Charges

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 3rd, 2025.

El-Rufai Visits Former Aide Bashir Sa’idu in Prison Following Corruption Charges

Shortly after the arrest of Bashir Sa’idu, a former commissioner under the Nasir El-Rufai administration in Kaduna, on charges of corruption and money laundering, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai visited the Correctional Facility where Sa’idu is being held.

Accompanied by several key figures from his administration, El-Rufai also made a trip to the court where Sa’idu was arraigned, but was unable to meet with the judge. Additionally, the former governor visited the office of Operation Fushin Kada, although he did not meet with any security operatives there either.

The details of his visit and discussions with security officials were not disclosed, as El-Rufai chose not to speak to the press following the visit.

Bashir Sa’idu, who previously served as the Commissioner for Finance and Local Government in Kaduna State, was arrested on charges related to money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and the mismanagement of public funds. The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed his detention and ongoing investigation.

The allegations against Sa’idu include laundering a total of N3.96 billion and misappropriating N244 million during his tenure between 2015 and 2023. One of the key accusations is that Sa’idu sold state-owned foreign currency worth $45 million at an undervalued exchange rate of N410 per dollar, instead of the market rate of N498 per dollar, resulting in a loss of over N3.96 billion to the state government. This action is alleged to violate the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Additionally, Sa’idu is accused of failing to account for the proceeds from the sale of government properties in Marafa Estate, Kaduna, amounting to N244 million, which is seen as a breach of trust under the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017.

Investigations into Sa’idu’s financial activities were previously conducted by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which referred its findings to anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC. His international passport has been confiscated as part of the investigation.

While some have suggested that Sa’idu’s arrest is politically motivated, pointing to the involvement of the Operation Fushin Kada unit—a group established to combat banditry—police authorities have firmly rejected these claims. They have stated that the arrest is based on legitimate allegations of financial misconduct.

Sa’idu, who also held the position of Chief of Staff during El-Rufai’s tenure, remains in detention as investigations continue. Authorities have assured the public that due process will be followed in addressing the case.

This arrest signals the government’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for financial misconduct and ensuring transparency in managing state resources.