By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s Chief of Staff, Bashir Saidu, have been reportedly arrested by security operatives, for alleged money laundry and sale of government properties, under the past administration in Kaduna State.
Saidu was reported to have been arraigned before a Kaduna magistrate court on Tuesday, where he was charged for the offences and later remanded in prison custody.
According to sources, armed policemen had laid an ambush near Saidu’s residence at Coronation Crescent, in Kaduna before he was later arrested in Rigachikun area.
He was subsequently taken to the Operation Fushin Kada office on Constitution Road for questioning, before being arraigned at the magistrate court in Rigasa.
Another source close to the ex- Chief of staff expressed surprised involvement of Operation Fushin Kada, formerly known as Operation Yaka, in a political matter.
“I wonder why Operation Yaki, now (Operation Fushin Kada) will involve itself in a clear case of political witch-hunt and repression against loyalists of former Governor El-Rufai.
He explained: “The operatives have abandoned their job of protecting the citizens against bandits and kidnappers to harass innocent citizens”.
“It is strange that Operation Yaki is now preparing FIR and filing charges against perceived opponents of the governor.
Despite providing a statement denying involvement in money laundering and the sale of 12 government houses, Saidu was taken to court”, he added.
After hearing the prosecution and defence counsel, Magistrate Muhammad Lawal Musa rejected the bail application and ordered Saidu’s remand at Kaduna Central Prison.
The case was adjourned to January 21, 2025, meanwhile, it will be recalled that the Kaduna State House of Assembly had earlier in a report indicted Governor El-Rufai for allegedly syphoning State Government’s funds to the tune of over 423 billion naira.
Also, many of El-Rufai’s loyalists under his defunct Government are now facing charges either in the state or at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, EFCC, ICPC and the Code of Conduct Bureau over fraud and unlawful acquisition of State resources in enriching themselves.
When journalist called the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Ibraheem Musa for comments, he did not pick his phone, neither did he respond to text message. Ends
