In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Kaduna, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused his successor, Governor Uba Sani, of orchestrating an interference in the ongoing corruption trials of two of his former aides. El-Rufai’s comments, which were made via a post on his official X account, allege that the current administration is using the legal process to target his former allies, effectively politicising what should be a judicial matter.
The two aides, Honourable Bashir Sai’du and Mr. Jimi Lawal, have been at the center of a corruption case involving the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Both men served in various key roles during El-Rufai’s administration, and now, under the government of Uba Sani, they face charges of fraud and other related offenses. Their legal battles have sparked controversy, with El-Rufai accusing the current administration of conducting a politically motivated campaign against individuals connected to him.
Speaking out against what he perceives as a concerted political attack, El-Rufai outlined his concerns regarding the selective treatment of former officials under his administration. “Since early 2024, many individuals who served in my government have been questioned by anti-corruption agencies,” he wrote. “However, those who are currently aligned with the government of Uba Sani have been conveniently spared from investigation.”
The former governor’s criticisms reached a boiling point when he accused Governor Uba Sani of instructing the unlawful detention of Bashir Sai’du, one of his trusted aides. According to El-Rufai, Sai’du was “abducted” by armed police officers on December 31, 2024, while traveling along Zaria Road. He was reportedly taken to a magistrate court in Rigasa before being remanded in the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre. The arrest, which El-Rufai describes as an “illegal abduction,” drew the ire of both the detained official’s legal team and his family.
“In a shocking development, Sai’du was taken without due process, held for an extended period, and subjected to harsh conditions,” El-Rufai noted. “This type of action is not only unlawful but also clearly politically motivated.”
Despite these grave accusations, the situation worsened for both Sai’du and Lawal when they were later brought before the Federal High Court in Kaduna. Both men were granted bail on January 21, 2025, after their legal teams presented compelling arguments for their release. However, El-Rufai claims that the process to facilitate their release was deliberately sabotaged by the Kaduna State Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), the agency responsible for verifying certificates of occupancy—a condition set by the court for their release.
“After the bail was granted, KADGIS suddenly suspended verification services for certificates of occupancy, despite reminders from the court registry,” El-Rufai wrote. “This deliberate action has prevented the fulfillment of court-mandated conditions and blocked the release of my aides.”
The refusal to facilitate the verification process, according to El-Rufai, represents an alarming disregard for the rule of law and a defiant challenge to the judiciary. He further accuses the state government of deliberately hindering the administration of justice for personal and political gain. The suspension of KADGIS’s services, El-Rufai argues, is a flagrant violation of court orders and reflects the undue influence exerted by the current political leadership over the legal process.
“This is not just a legal issue—it’s a political maneuver designed to punish those associated with me,” El-Rufai said, adding that it was impossible to ignore the clear political implications of the trial. “There is no other explanation for this interference.”
What added to the confusion, according to El-Rufai, was the alleged refusal of a judge to sign the release order for Sai’du and Lawal. The former governor explained that when the presiding judge, Justice Aikawa, was unable to sign the release order due to travel commitments, another judge was designated to finalize the process. However, this judge allegedly failed to act on the matter, sparking further suspicion of external influence.
“The designated judge refused to sign the release order despite all conditions being met,” El-Rufai stated. “This behavior leads one to believe that there are higher powers at play—powers with political motives aimed at keeping these men behind bars for as long as possible.”
El-Rufai’s claims have further stoked tensions in Kaduna, with political observers and members of the opposition raising concerns about the potential abuse of power. Critics argue that the state’s handling of these cases undermines the credibility of the judiciary and damages the public’s trust in the legal system. Some have speculated that the cases are part of a wider strategy to weaken El-Rufai’s influence within the state and diminish his political base.
While El-Rufai continues to call for justice and the immediate release of his former aides, his remarks have also attracted widespread attention among political analysts. They warn that if such practices of political interference are allowed to persist, they could set a dangerous precedent for the future of Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
This controversy comes amid rising tensions between El-Rufai and Governor Uba Sani, both of whom hail from different political factions. Their fraught relationship has been marked by personal and professional differences, and these recent developments may further deepen the divide. The former governor’s vocal support for his aides has positioned him at odds with the current administration, creating a volatile situation for both parties.
The Kaduna State Government, however, has yet to respond officially to El-Rufai’s accusations, but political analysts predict that further statements and actions will be taken in the coming days as both sides brace for the fallout.
As the legal battles of Sai’du and Lawal continue, all eyes will be on the outcome of this highly charged political drama. If El-Rufai’s claims are substantiated, it could trigger a wave of reform calls for the administration of justice in Kaduna, and perhaps beyond.
