Ex-El-Rufai’s Aide Regains Freedom After 50 Days in Detention Over Alleged Corruption
Bashir Saidu, the former Chief of Staff to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has regained his freedom after spending 50 days in detention over money laundering allegations.
His release was confirmed on Wednesday by El-Rufai, who condemned the detention as politically motivated.
“Bashir has been my friend for over 53 years—my Barewa College classmate, a former Commissioner of Local Government and Finance, and my former Chief of Staff. That is why he is being persecuted.
Those responsible will face consequences by 2027, in sha Allah,” El-Rufai stated on X (formerly Twitter).
ICPC’s Allegations Against Bashir Saidu
Saidu was arrested and charged by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) alongside Ibrahim Muktar, a civil servant in Kaduna’s Ministry of Finance.
According to the ICPC, Saidu:
- Allegedly received ₦155 million in cash from Muktar in March 2022, violating money laundering laws.
- Took control of funds that he “reasonably ought to have known” were proceeds of corruption.
- Violated Section 2(a) and Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Under the law, those found guilty of such offenses face a prison term of 4 to 14 years and a fine at least five times the value of the illicit funds.
El-Rufai Also Under Investigation
In a related development, the Kaduna State House of Assembly has accused Nasir El-Rufai of allegedly diverting over ₦423 billion in state funds during his tenure as governor.
While El-Rufai continues to dismiss the allegations as politically driven, many Nigerians are closely watching how the legal battles unfold ahead of the 2027 elections.
What’s Next?
With political tensions rising, will these corruption cases lead to real consequences, or are they part of a broader political power play? Stay updated with NIGPOST for the latest developments.
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