Bashir Saidu, who previously served as Chief of Staff to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been taken into custody by Operation Fushin Kada, the state’s anti-banditry task force formerly known as Operation Yaki.
The arrest occurred on Tuesday on the outskirts of Kaduna, though authorities have not disclosed the reason. Speculation suggests Saidu may be linked to a money laundering investigation.
However, close associates of the detained politician allege the arrest is politically motivated, claiming it is part of a broader effort to intimidate allies of El-Rufai.
A former commissioner under El-Rufai, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Saidu’s detention and noted that he has been remanded in a correctional facility.
“It’s true; he was arrested on Tuesday and is currently in custody. This misuse of law enforcement to target political opponents undermines democracy,” the source said.
He added that other El-Rufai associates are similarly facing scrutiny from the Code of Conduct Tribunal, EFCC, or ICPC.
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in Kaduna, ASP Mansir Hassan, and Governor Uba Sani’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibraheem Musa, were unsuccessful. Neither responded to calls or messages.
Meanwhile, a security source defended the arrest, emphasizing the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional duty to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of wrongdoing.
The source dismissed allegations of political harassment as an attempt to divert attention from the accusations against Saidu.
“The arrest aligns with the police mandate to safeguard public funds and prosecute offences. Claims of political persecution are baseless and distract from the serious allegations at hand,” the source stated.