Bashir Saidu has been freed after spending 50 days in jail. Saidu used to work as Chief of Staff for Nasir El-Rufai, who was the Governor of Kaduna State.
El-Rufai announced Saidu’s release on Wednesday on social media. He defended his friend, saying the arrest was unfair and politically driven.
“Bashir has been my friend for over 53 years — a Barewa College classmate, former Commissioner of Local Government and Finance, and former Chief of Staff,” El-Rufai said in a tweet on X.
“That is the main reason behind his persecution, and the payback to those behind it will be known on or before the 2027 elections, in sha Allah,” he added.
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Saidu was charged with money laundering by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency (ICPC). He was accused alongside Ibrahim Muktar, who works in Kaduna’s Finance Ministry. They faced their charges in Kaduna’s Federal High Court.
The government claims Saidu took N155 million (Nigerian currency) from Muktar in March 2022. This amount was above what’s legally allowed, and prosecutors say Saidu should have known this money came from corruption.
If found guilty, Saidu could face between 4 to 14 years in prison. He might also have to pay a fine of at least five times the amount of money involved, or both punishments could apply.
Meanwhile, Kaduna’s state lawmakers are also investigating El-Rufai himself, claiming he misused over ₦423 billion of state money during his time as governor.
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