Bashir Saidu, a former chief of staff to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been released from prison. His release follows 50 days of detention after he was arrested and arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court on 10 charges, including embezzlement, money laundering, and theft.
Saidu, who previously served as the commissioner for finance and local government and chieftaincy affairs, was held in a correctional facility until his release on Wednesday.
Confirming his release on his X handle, El-Rufai vowed that those responsible for the persecution of his longtime friend would face consequences before or by the 2027 elections.
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El-Rufai wrote, “KADUNA UPDATE: 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.”
He described Saidu as a grassroots politician, a skilled technocrat, and a true public servant who had a significant influence on the progressive politics of Kaduna North and Central Senatorial Districts across various political parties, including the APP, ANPP, CPC, and APC.
El-Rufai suggested that this political influence was the primary reason for his friend’s persecution and promised retribution against those responsible before the 2027 elections.
The former governor also noted the involvement of certain police officers and judges in obstructing and delaying Saidu’s bail, despite the charges being bailable.
El-Rufai promised to present the full facts to the public, offering “some interesting insights” once all the information is gathered.
