- Bashir Saidu, former chief of staff to ex-Governor El-Rufai, was arrested by Operation Fushin Kada on suspicion of money laundering.
- Supporters claim the arrest is politically motivated, while security officials argue it complies with constitutional mandates for crime investigation.
- Saidu’s arrest has sparked political tensions in Kaduna, with debates over the impartiality of law enforcement and the protection of due process.
Bashir Saidu, the former chief of staff of ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai Kaduna Statehas been arrested by operatives of Operation Fushin Kada, the state’s anti-banditry police unit, formerly known as Operation Yaki.
Saidu, a prominent political figure and close ally of El-Rufai, was arrested on the outskirts of Kaduna on Tuesday.
Source: Facebook
While authorities have yet to provide an official reason for his arrest, sources suggest the case may be related to allegations of money money laundering.
The lack of transparency has fueled speculation, with some of Saidu’s associates citing political motives behind the arrest.
Also read
Tinubu’s government invites the leader of the Niger Republic for talks, and the reason emerges
Saidu’s arrest targeted the witch hunt, El-Rufai’s ally
A former commissioner under El-Rufai’s administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that the incident was part of a broader campaign to intimidate allies of the former governor.
“It is completely true that he was arrested by the officers on Tuesday and is now in a prison,” the former commissioner said.
“Is this the kind of democracy they want to play by using the Operation Yaki outfit to detain political opponents?”
The commissioner further claimed that El-Rufai’s political allies are often targeted, citing ongoing cases against them at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).
Saidu’s arrest is constitutional. Security agent
A security source familiar with the matter defended the actions of Operation Fushin Kada.
“Under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act, the Nigeria Police Force has the mandate to protect lives and property, including public resources. Arresting and investigating persons accused of crimes falls squarely within their jurisdiction,” the source explained.
Also read
Simon Ekpa: Nigerian Army provides important update on decision to extradite Biafra separatist leader
He rejected allegations of political intimidation, describing it as a diversionary tactic.
“To suggest that Bashir Saidu’s arrest is politically motivated is not only ridiculous, but an attempt to divert attention from the allegations against him,” he added.
Has EFCC raided the residence of Bello El-Rufai in Kaduna?
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Bello El-Rufai had said social media posts about a raid on his residence in Kaduna State by personnel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), were ‘unfounded’.
El-Rufai stated that the claim, accompanied by an image of incidents in 2017 and 2022, was “nothing but a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, tarnish my reputation and cause confusion”
NB: Check the news that is exactly selected for YOU find the “Recommended for you” block on the homepage and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
Leave a Reply