El-Rufai Announces Release of Former Chief of Staff After 50 Days of Detention
Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has confirmed the release of his former Chief of Staff, Bashir Saidu, following his 50-day detention. El-Rufai made the announcement via his verified Facebook page on Wednesday evening, revealing that Saidu, who also previously served as the Commissioner for Finance and Local Government Affairs, had been unjustly held in prison.
Describing Saidu as a dedicated grassroots politician and experienced technocrat, El-Rufai expressed relief at his release, stating, “After 50 days of abduction and unjustified incarceration, Bashir Saidu is now free and back home. Bashir has been my friend for over 53 years, having been a classmate at Barewa College, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Finance, and also my Chief of Staff.”
El-Rufai praised Saidu’s political influence, noting that he has long played a prominent role in the progressive politics of the Kaduna North and Central Senatorial Districts, spanning several political parties, including the APP, ANPP, CPC, and APC.
“The primary reason behind his persecution will be revealed before or by the 2027 elections, Insha Allah,” he added.
El-Rufai further highlighted concerns over the involvement of some police officers in Saidu’s abduction, as well as the actions of certain Federal and State High Court judges, who he claimed obstructed Saidu’s release by delaying his bail for charges that were clearly eligible for bail. El-Rufai vowed that these issues would soon be brought to light, adding that the public would be made aware of the full facts soon. “Please stand by for some interesting insights,” he wrote.
It’s worth noting that Saidu, former Chief of Staff under El-Rufai, was arrested by the police unit known as Operation Fushin Kada (previously Operation Yaki). He faced charges brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged money laundering. While granted bail by the Federal High Court, Saidu was unable to fulfill the conditions until his release earlier this week.
