Kaduna’s Anti-Banditry Group Detains Bashir Saidu, Ex-Aide To Former Governor El-Rufai

Bashir Saidu, former Chief of Staff to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has been detained by operatives of Operation Fushin Kada, the state’s anti-banditry unit, previously known as Operation Yaki.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Saidu, a close political ally of El-Rufai, was arrested on Tuesday on the outskirts of Kaduna State. While the exact reason for his arrest remains unclear, there are speculations that it may be related to accusations of money laundering.

Sources close to Saidu, speaking with Daily Trust, have suggested that the arrest is politically motivated, claiming the authorities are targeting El-Rufai’s associates.

A former commissioner from El-Rufai’s administration, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed Saidu’s detention and described the move as an intentional effort to intimidate political adversaries.

“It’s true that he was arrested on Tuesday by the operatives and is currently in a correctional facility. Is this the kind of democracy they want, using the Operation Yaki unit to detain political opponents?” the source questioned.

The source further alleged that many of El-Rufai’s political allies are being targeted with charges from bodies such as the Code of Conduct Tribunal, EFCC, or ICPC.

A security source familiar with the case indicated that the arrest falls within the Nigeria Police Force’s mandate to safeguard public funds and uphold accountability under the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act.

He explained, “It is entirely within the rights of any police officer to arrest, investigate, and prosecute anyone suspected of committing an offence, even without a formal complaint, as long as there is a prima facie case against the individual.

“Thus, suggesting that Saidu’s arrest by Operation Fushin Kada, formerly known for hunting bandits, is part of a political harassment campaign is not only baseless but an attempt to distract from the serious allegations against the accused.”