El Rufai‘s Chief Of Staff, Bashir Saidu Arrested – Daily Nigerian

Bashir Saidu, the chief of staff to a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been arrested by Operation Fushin Kada, formerly Operation Yaki, on Tuesday.

DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that Mr Saidu, a top political ally of Mr El-Rufai, was rounded up by the operatives of the anti-banditry police outfit at Rigachikun area, allegedly on the orders of the state government.

Sources said the operatives earlier laid ambush near Mr Saidu’s residence at Coronation Crescent, Kaduna, before pinning him down at Rigachikun.

A source familiar with the development said he was first taken to the Operation Fushin Kada office at Constitution Road, where they took his statement and later arraigned him at a magistrate’s court in Rigasa.

“I wonder why Operation Yaki [Operation Fushin Kada] will involve itself in a clear case of political witch-hunt and repression against loyalists of former Governor El-Rufai.

“The operatives have abandoned their job of protecting the citizens against bandits and kidnappers to harass innocent citizens. It is strange that Operation Yaki is now preparing FIR and filing charges against perceived opponents of the governor.

“Despite giving a satisfactory statement, denying involvement in money laundering and sale of 12 government houses, the operatives nevertheless took Bashir Saidu to court,” said the source.

After hearing the argument of the prosecution and defence counsel, Magistrate Muhammad Lawal Musa rejected the bail application and ordered the remand of the former chief of staff at Kaduna Central Prison.

The case was adjourned to January 21, 2025.

Sources familiar with Kaduna politics said politicians loyal to Mr El-Rufai are currently facing charges either in the state or at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, EFCC or ICPC.

Spokesman for Governor Uba Sani, Ibraheem Musa, could not be reached at the time of filing this report.