Ex-Kaduna Gov El-Rufai’s Chief of Staff arrested by security operatives

Bashir Saidu, former Chief of Staff to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, was arrested on Tuesday by operatives of Operation Fushin Kada (formerly Operation Yaki).

Sources revealed that Saidu, a close political associate of El-Rufai, was apprehended in the Rigachikun area after operatives allegedly laid an ambush near his residence at Coronation Crescent, Kaduna.

He was reportedly taken to the Operation Fushin Kada office on Constitution Road, where his statement was recorded. Saidu was later arraigned 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.