Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday visited the Kaduna State Correctional Service Facility to see his former Chief of Staff, Bashir Saidu, who is currently in custody over allegations of money laundering and other charges.
El-Rufai arrived at the facility around 10:19 am, accompanied by three of his former commissioners: Jafaru Sani (Education), Hafsat Baba (Human Services and Social Development), and Ibrahim Hussaini (Environment). The visit lasted less than 30 minutes, with the former governor departing at 10:47 am.
Bashir Saidu, who held various key positions during El-Rufai’s administration, including Commissioner of Local Government Affairs and Commissioner of Finance, faces serious allegations of financial misconduct.
He is accused of laundering ₦3.9 billion and misappropriating ₦244 million. The charges also include a claim that he sold $45 million belonging to the Kaduna State Government in 2021 at an exchange rate of ₦410 per dollar, significantly below the market rate of ₦498 per dollar, resulting in a shortfall of ₦3.9 billion.
Saidu was arrested on Monday and arraigned before a magistrates’ court in Rigasa, which ordered his remand in custody pending further investigations.
Dressed in a green cap and light green agbada, El-Rufai declined to address journalists who approached him after the visit. He quickly entered a vehicle in his convoy and left the facility without making any public statement.
This visit underscores the close association between the former governor and his embattled ally, raising questions about potential political implications as investigations continue.