By Abigail Philip David
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Saidu, the former Chief of Staff to ex-Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai, with money laundering. The case was filed on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Kaduna State.
According to court documents, Saidu, who also served as Kaduna’s Commissioner of Finance, allegedly received a cash payment of N155 million in March 2022 from Ibrahim Muktar, a public officer in the Ministry of Finance. The amount is said to exceed the legal limit for cash transactions. The funds were allegedly received through Saidu’s Special Assistant, Muazu Abdu.
The ICPC filed two charges of money laundering under charge number FHC/KD/IC/2025. Saidu is accused of violating Sections 2(a) and 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. If convicted, the law prescribes penalties of four to 14 years imprisonment or a fine of at least five times the value of the proceeds of the crime, or both.
The ICPC further alleged that Saidu indirectly controlled the funds, which were purportedly proceeds of corruption. Investigators believe Saidu was aware that the money originated from unlawful activities.
The charge sheet was signed by ICPC Assistant Chief Legal Officer, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, and filed on January 7, 2025.
Saidu is also under investigation for laundering N3.96 billion and misappropriating N244 million during his tenure in the Kaduna State government. Additionally, the Kaduna State House of Assembly had earlier indicted the administration of Nasir El-Rufai, alleging the mismanagement of over N423 billion in state funds.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to hold public officials accountable for financial improprieties.
