Former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has visited his former Chief of Staff, Bashir Sa’idu, at a correctional facility following Sa’idu’s arrest over serious allegations of corruption and money laundering.
The charges, which span his tenure between 2015 and 2023, include laundering N3.96 billion and mismanaging N244 million from the sale of government properties.
El-Rufai, joined by several members of his former administration, also attended the court where Sa’idu was arraigned. However, the session ended without a meeting with the presiding judge.
A BBC Hausa report revealed that the former governor later proceeded to the office of Operation Fushin Kada, though his efforts to engage with security operatives were unsuccessful as they were unavailable during his visit.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed an ongoing investigation into the allegations against Sa’idu. A petition claims he was involved in the undervalued sale of state-owned foreign currency worth $45 million, leading to a N3.96 billion loss.
Additionally, he is accused of mismanaging N244 million generated from the sale of government properties in Marafa Estate, Kaduna. These alleged acts are said to contravene the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Kaduna State Penal Code of 2017.
The former governor refrained from speaking to the press during his visit, and the specifics of his discussions with law enforcement remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, the case has sparked public interest, with calls for a transparent investigation to ensure justice is served.
Sa’idu’s detention and the allegations of financial misconduct highlight growing concerns about accountability and transparency in governance, particularly regarding the handling of public resources. The case continues to unfold as authorities delve deeper into the accusations.
