Former Chief of Staff to El-Rufai Remanded in Prison Over Alleged Fraud

Bashir Saidu, the former Chief of Staff to ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been remanded in custody following his arrest by Operation Fushin Kada, previously known as Operation Yaki. The arrest occurred on Tuesday on the outskirts of Kaduna State.

While the authorities have not disclosed the specific charges against Saidu, sources allege that the arrest is connected to allegations of money laundering. However, associates of the former official claim the action is politically motivated, describing it as part of a broader effort to target allies of the former governor.

A former commissioner in El-Rufai’s administration, speaking anonymously, confirmed Saidu’s detention at a correctional facility and criticized the move. “It is true that he was arrested and is now in a correctional facility. Is this the democracy we want—using security outfits to detain political opponents?” the source said. They further alleged that many of El-Rufai’s allies are facing legal challenges before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the EFCC, or the ICPC.

Efforts to reach the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, and Governor Uba Sani’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibraheem Musa, were unsuccessful. Neither responded to calls or messages seeking clarification.

A security source familiar with the situation defended the arrest, citing the constitutional and statutory responsibilities of the police to protect public funds and enforce the law. “The Nigeria Police Force has the mandate to investigate and prosecute anyone suspected of committing an offence, with or without a formal complaint, if a prima facie case exists,” the source explained.

The source dismissed claims of political harassment as an attempt to divert attention from the allegations against Saidu. “Suggesting that an outfit established to combat banditry is being misused for political purposes is not only preposterous but a distraction from the serious charges at hand,” they added.