El-Rufai Announces Release Of Ex-COS After ’50 Days Of Abduction, Unjustified Incarceration’

Immediate-past Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has announced the release of his former Chief of Staff, Bashir Saidu, from prison.

El-Rufai, who stated this on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday evening, said Saidu, who was also a former Commissioner of Finance and Local Government Affairs, was released after 50 days of unjustified detention.

The former governor, who described Saidu as a grassroots politician and sound technocrat, said: “After 50 days of abduction and unjustified incarceration, Bashir Saidu is now free and at home. Bashir has been my friend for over 53 years – a Barewa College classmate, former Commissioner of Local Government, and of Finance, and former Chief of Staff.

“A grassroots politician, sound technocrat, and true public servant, Bashir largely dominates the progressive politics of Kaduna North and Central Senatorial Districts from the days of APP, ANPP, CPC and the APC.”

El-Rufai added, “That is the main reason behind his persecution, and the payback to those behind it will be known on or before the 2027 elections, in sha Allah.

“The role of some policemen in the abduction as well as the conduct of some Judges of the Federal High Court, and the State High Court, in obstructing and delaying bail for clearly bailable offenses was quite enlightening and will be tabled in the court of public opinion – when all the facts are assembled. Please stand by for some interesting insights. Thank you. – @elrufai.”

Recall that Bashir Saidu, the ex-Chief of Staff to the former governor El-Rufai, was arrested by Police operatives of Operation Fushin Kada, formerly known as Operation Yaki in the state.

Saidu was charged before a Federal High Court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged money laundering.

After the court granted him bail, Saidu was unable to meet the bail conditions until this Wednesday.