In a dramatic turn of events, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai, made an unannounced visit to the Correctional Facility housing his former Chief of Staff, Bashir Sa’idu, who is facing allegations of corruption and money laundering amounting to billions of naira.
El-Rufai, accompanied by key figures from his administration, reportedly sought audience with the detained Sa’idu, who was remanded on charges linked to financial irregularities during his tenure. The visit, shrouded in secrecy, has triggered speculation across Kaduna’s political circles.
Bashir Sa’idu, who also served as Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance and Local Government, is accused of laundering N3.96 billion and misappropriating an additional N244 million in public funds.
According to police reports, one of the most damning allegations involves the sale of $45 million in state-owned foreign currency. The transaction was conducted at an exchange rate of N410 per dollar, significantly below the prevailing parallel market rate of N498 per dollar. This single deal allegedly resulted in a loss exceeding N3.96 billion to the state government.
Furthermore, Sa’idu is accused of failing to account for proceeds from the sale of government-owned houses in Marafa Estate, Kaduna, totaling N244 million. The charges, which include breaches under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Penal Code of Kaduna State, highlight alleged systemic corruption during his tenure.
Critics have labeled the arrest a politically motivated move orchestrated through Operation Fushin Kada, a special unit initially established to combat banditry. The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed these allegations, stating that the arrest is based on credible evidence of financial crimes.
“The arrest was not influenced by any political agenda,” a senior police officer stated under anonymity. “These are serious allegations of financial misconduct, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
Adding to the intrigue, the Kaduna State House of Assembly had earlier investigated Sa’idu’s financial dealings and forwarded their findings to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Sa’idu’s international passport has also been confiscated to prevent his escape.
El-Rufai’s visit to the prison has stirred intense speculation. While he refrained from speaking to journalists, his presence at both the court and the police headquarters has raised questions about his role in Sa’idu’s defense. Sources suggest the former governor’s visit was intended to show solidarity with his embattled former aide.
Despite this, critics argue that the visit might send a conflicting message about accountability and justice. “What kind of signal does this send to the people of Kaduna? Leaders should prioritize transparency over personal loyalty,” a political analyst remarked.
Bashir Sa’idu, a prominent figure in El-Rufai’s administration, played a pivotal role in managing Kaduna State’s finances between 2015 and 2023. He was instrumental in several policy reforms and budget implementations during El-Rufai’s tenure.
However, his reputation took a hit following allegations of financial impropriety. The ongoing investigation marks a significant fall from grace for the once-celebrated technocrat.
This case underscores Nigeria’s renewed focus on tackling corruption among public officials. The charges against Sa’idu come at a time when anti-corruption agencies are under public scrutiny to deliver results.
“We are committed to ensuring accountability in public service,” said an official from the EFCC. “This investigation will be thorough, and we will follow due process to its logical conclusion.”
Nevertheless, some Kaduna residents remain skeptical, questioning whether high-profile cases like this genuinely result in justice or are merely spectacles for political gain.
Operation Fushin Kada, the unit reportedly involved in Sa’idu’s arrest, has come under criticism for allegedly overstepping its mandate. Initially created to address insecurity and banditry in Kaduna, its involvement in high-profile corruption cases has sparked debate about its effectiveness and independence.
A former member of the Kaduna State government criticized the operation’s involvement, stating, “Fushin Kada was meant to protect lives, not be used as a tool for political witch-hunting or financial probes.”
However, police officials maintain that the unit’s activities are in line with its broader mandate to ensure law and order.
