A Federal high court in Kaduna State has rejected a bail request from Bashir Saidu, who served as chief of staff and Finance Commissioner under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Police arrested Saidu on January 2nd, 2025, moving him to the Kaduna correctional centre. He faces 10 charges of money laundering, embezzlement, and stealing public funds from the Kaduna State Government.

According to Channels TV report, when Saidu appeared before Justice Isa Aliyu on Tuesday, he denied all charges. The prosecution claims Saidu sold $45 million of state funds at N410 per dollar instead of the market rate of N498, causing the government to lose N3.9 billion. They say this happened in 2022 while he managed Kaduna’s finances under El-Rufai. Prosecutors argue Saidu laundered this N3.9 billion difference, breaking Section 18 of the Money Laundering Act 2022.

Saidu’s lawyer, M I Abubakar, pressed for bail, noting his client had spent 21 days in custody. But prosecutor Professor Nasiru Aliyu fought back, saying the law gives prosecutors seven days to answer bail requests.

Justice Aliyu agreed with the prosecution, granting them time to respond. The court will hear the bail application on January 23rd, 2025.

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar A. Namadi, has officially sworn in five newly appointed special advisers to strengthen his administration’s efforts in delivering good governance.

The appointees and their portfolios include Abdulkadir Bala Umar T.O., Special Adviser on Special Duties; Uzairu Nadabo, Special Adviser on Export Processing Zones (EPZ); and Ado Local, Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce.

Others are Musa Shu’aibu Guri, Special Adviser on Revenue, and Sa’idu Umar, Special Adviser on Nutrition.

The governor emphasised the importance of integrity, perseverance, and dedication to duty.

He urged the advisers to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to them with utmost sincerity, as their roles are critical to achieving the administration’s objectives.

The governor reminded them of the sacred oath they had taken, stressing that they would be held accountable both in this life and on the Day of Judgment.

He further advised them to use their previous experiences and qualifications to serve the state effectively and ensure the betterment of the people.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Tuesday inaugurated Xejet’s state-of-the-art Flight Support and Engineering Hub at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, valued at $10 million.

He said that while the government may not have all the money to give to the private sector, it would create an enabling environment and the right policies to support this type of growth and development.

Keyamo emphasized that the current administration would support the growth and development of local operators.

His words: “This is a huge achievement; the concept alone, getting the backing and bringing it to fruition like this, to start off work, with one of the best construction companies we have, is a dream come true. Let me say that we have also attracted similar projects to the part of the airport you’re seeing.”

“Xejet, we will be here with you throughout, from the beginning to the end. Our technical team will be here, the MD FAAN will put the engineering team together, to ensure that they support you; and you comply with all regulations. The DG NCAA too will do the same, to ensure that what we have here will be world-class.”

On his part, Xejet CEO, Emmanuel Iza, said that the facility represents the company’s pledge to elevate aviation services in Nigeria to global standards.

According to him, “Through cutting-edge technology, superior engineering, and unparalleled flight support, Xejet seeks to not only improve operational efficiencies but deliver an exclusive experience that sets us apart in the industry.”

Speaking of the cost implications, he said the project is in two phases.

“The first phase is to prepare the ground, to create the taxiway that is going to connect the runway to our facility and the apron. That’s roughly in excess of $5 million. And we are expecting to put the structure of equal amount on top of it there.”