El-Rufai Visits Former Chief of Staff Detained on Corruption Charges

Former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai has made a high-profile visit to a correctional facility in the state where his former Commissioner of Finance and Local Government, Bashir Sa’idu, is being held on charges of corruption and money laundering. El-Rufai, accompanied by key members of his former administration, also visited the court where Sa’idu was arraigned, though he was unable to meet with the presiding judge.

The visit comes after Sa’idu’s recent arrest and detention over allegations of laundering N3.96 billion, misappropriating N244 million, and engaging in financial misconduct during his tenure between 2015 and 2023. Reports suggest that Sa’idu sold $45 million in state-owned foreign currency at an undervalued rate of N410 per dollar instead of the market rate of N498, allegedly causing a significant financial loss to the state. Additionally, he is accused of failing to account for funds from the sale of government properties in Marafa Estate, Kaduna.

These actions reportedly violate the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017. The police, who confirmed the arrest, have stated that investigations are ongoing. Sa’idu’s international passport has been confiscated as part of the inquiry.

El-Rufai also reportedly visited the office of Operation Fushin Kada, the police unit involved in the case, but was unable to meet with security operatives. The former governor did not speak to journalists about the purpose or outcome of his visits.

Critics have suggested that the arrest is politically motivated, citing Sa’idu’s close ties to El-Rufai’s administration. However, police authorities have refuted these claims, asserting that the charges are based on credible evidence. The Kaduna State House of Assembly had previously investigated Sa’idu’s financial dealings and forwarded its findings to anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC.

Sa’idu, who also served as Chief of Staff to El-Rufai, remains in detention as authorities continue their probe. The case has drawn public attention, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to due process and accountability in managing public funds.