El-Rufai’s Ex-Chief Of Staff Arrested For Alleged Money Laundering, Misappropriation

Mohammed Bashir Sa’idu, a former Commissioner of Finance and Local Government in Kaduna State, has been apprehended by the Nigeria Police Force on charges of money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.

According to police reports, Sa’idu is accused of laundering N3.96 billion and misappropriating N244 million during his tenure in the Kaduna State government from 2015 to 2023.

The allegations include the undervalued sale of $45 million in state-owned foreign currency at an exchange rate of N410 per dollar instead of the parallel market rate of N498, resulting in significant losses to the state treasury.

Additionally, Sa’idu is accused of failing to account for proceeds totaling N244 million from the sale of government properties in Marafa Estate, Kaduna.

These actions allegedly violate Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 300 of the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly had previously flagged these transactions, forwarding its findings to anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC.

As part of the ongoing investigation, Sa’idu’s international passport has been confiscated.  While some critics claim the arrest is politically motivated, the police dismissed such allegations, asserting that the charges are based on credible evidence. Sa’idu, who also served as Chief of Staff in Kaduna State, remains in custody as investigations proceed.

Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will follow due process, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.