El-Rufai’s Ex-Chief of Staff Faces Money Laundering Charges

Muhammad Bashir Saidu, former Chief of Staff to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been charged to the Federal High Court in Kaduna by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on charges of money laundering. Saidu, who previously served as the Commissioner for Finance during El-Rufai’s administration, faces two-count charges in connection with an alleged N155 million cash transaction.

The charges, outlined in case number FHC/KD/IC/2025, contradict earlier reports that Saidu had been exonerated after a 10-month investigation. Saidu is accused of receiving a cash payment exceeding the legally authorized limit from Ibrahim Muktar, a public officer in the Ministry of Finance. The funds were allegedly received through a proxy, Muazu Abdu, Saidu’s Special Assistant.

The ICPC also claims that Saidu indirectly took control of the N155 million, knowing or reasonably suspecting it to be proceeds from unlawful activities, including corruption. These actions are said to violate the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022, with Saidu now facing serious legal consequences for the charges.

This development marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and money laundering in Nigeria, and Saidu’s case has garnered attention due to his prominent position in the previous state administration.