Shortly after the detention of Bashir Sa’idu, a former Kaduna State Commissioner under Nasiru El-Rufa’i’s administration, for alleged corruption and money laundering, the former governor visited the Correctional Facility where Sa’idu is being held.
Reports indicate El-Rufa’i sought a meeting with his embattled former colleague.
El-Rufa’i, accompanied by some former aides, also attempted to visit the court where Sa’idu was arraigned but could not meet with the presiding judge.
According to a BBC Hausa report on Thursday, the ex-governor proceeded to the office of Operation Fushin Kada but missed the relevant security personnel.
He also visited the Kaduna State Police Command, though the details of his discussions there remain undisclosed, as he declined to address journalists.
Sa’idu, a former Commissioner of Finance and Local Government, faces serious allegations of laundering N3.96 billion and misappropriating N244 million between 2015 and 2023.
He is accused of selling $45 million in state-owned foreign currency at a rate of N410 per dollar, significantly below the parallel market rate of N498, resulting in substantial financial losses for the government.
Additionally, he allegedly misappropriated funds from the sale of government-owned houses in Marafa Estate, Kaduna.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed Sa’idu’s arrest and ongoing investigation. Officials revealed that his actions violated the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017.
His international passport has been seized to prevent him from fleeing.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly had previously investigated Sa’idu’s financial activities, forwarding its findings to anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC.
While some critics allege that his arrest was politically motivated and orchestrated by Operation Fushin Kada, the police refuted these claims, insisting the case is based on credible evidence.
Sa’idu, who held various roles in the Kaduna State government, remains in custody as authorities pledge to ensure due process and accountability.
The case underscores ongoing efforts to combat financial misconduct and promote transparency in public office.