By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Saidu, the former Chief of Staff (CoS) to ex-Governor Malam Nasir El Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on charges of alleged money laundering.
Alhaji Bashir Saidu, who also served as Commissioner of Finance in Kaduna State during El Rufai’s administration, was charged alongside Ibrahim Muktar, a public officer employed by the Ministry of Finance.
According to court documents, the defendants face two counts of money laundering under Charge No. FHC/KD/IC/2025. This development contradicts earlier claims that Alhaji Bashir Saidu had been cleared of all allegations following a 10-month investigation.
The charges allege that in March 2022, while serving as Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Bashir Saidu accepted a cash payment of ₦155,000,000 from Ibrahim Muktar. The payment, facilitated through Muazu Abdu, Saidu’s Special Assistant, exceeded the legally permissible cash transaction limit.
The ICPC stated that Bashir Saidu “indirectly took control” of the funds, which he should have reasonably known were proceeds of unlawful activity, specifically corruption. These acts, the ICPC argued, contravene Section 2(a) and Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Section 18(3) of the Act prescribes severe penalties for such violations, including imprisonment for a term of no less than four years and up to fourteen years, or a fine not less than five times the value of the proceeds of the crime, or both.
The charges were signed by the Assistant Chief Legal Officer of ICPC, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, and filed on January 7, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Kaduna.
This case underscores the ICPC’s commitment to addressing corruption and upholding financial accountability in public service. The prosecution is expected to shed light on the allegations and ensure justice is served.
