El-Rufa’i visits ex-Commissioner in correctional facility over alleged corruption

From Femi  Oyelola, Kaduna

Former Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufa’i has visited a Correctional Facility where Bashir Sa’idu, a former Commissioner during his administration, was remanded over alleged corruption.

It was gathered that El-Rufa’i’s visit  was just hours after the embattled former Commissioner got remanded in the Correctional Facility in the state based on alleged corruption and money laundering while in office.

El-Rufa’i, who was accompanied by some key figures of his administration, also went to the court where Bashir was arranged but could not meet the judge.

According to a BBC Hausa report monitored Thursday evening, El-Rufa’i also went to the office of Operation Fushin Kada, but couldn’t meet the security operatives.

However, the outcome of his discussions at the Police Command was not made public as the former governor did not speak to journalists.

Recall that Sa’idu, a former Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance and Local Government, was arrested over allegations of money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigation of the former state government official, who was also a Chief of Staff to El-Rufa’i.

According to a security source, a petition received by the police, Sa’idu is accused of laundering N3.96 billion and misappropriating N244 million during his tenure in the Kaduna State government between 2015 and 2023.

Also, the allegations include the sale of $45 million in state-owned foreign currency at an undervalued exchange rate of N410 per dollar, instead of the parallel market rate of N498 per dollar, causing a loss of over N3.96 billion to the government.

Furthermore, Police sources say the alleged transaction breaches Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Additionally, Sa’idu is accused of failing to account for proceeds from the sale of government houses in Marafa Estate, Kaduna, amounting to approximately N244 million. This constitutes a breach of trust under Section 300 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.

Reports indicate that the Kaduna State House of Assembly previously investigated Sa’idu’s financial dealings and forwarded its findings to anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). As part of the investigation, Sa’idu’s international passport has been seized.

Meanwhile, some critics have attempted to frame the arrest as politically motivated, claiming it was orchestrated through Operation Fushin Kada, a unit established to combat banditry.

But, the police have dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the arrest is based on credible allegations of financial crimes.

Sa’idu, who served in various capacities in Kaduna State, including as Chief of Staff and Commissioner of Finance, remains in detention as investigations continue. Authorities have assured the public that due process will be followed in bringing the accused to justice.

Also, the allegations underscored the government’s commitment to holding public officers accountable for financial misconduct and ensuring transparency in the management of public resources.