By Joy Yesufu
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged Muhammad Bashir Saidu, former Chief of Staff to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, in the Federal High Court in Kaduna for money laundering.
The charges were filed on Tuesday.
Saidu, who also served as Commissioner for Finance during El-Rufai’s administration, is facing charges alongside Ibrahim Muktar, a public officer in the Ministry of Finance.
The two have been accused of money laundering under charge number FHC/KD/IC/2025.
These charges contradict earlier claims that Saidu had been cleared of all allegations following a 10-month investigation.
According to the indictment signed by ICPC’s Assistant Chief Legal Officer, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, Saidu allegedly accepted a cash payment of N155,000,000.00 from Ibrahim Muktar, exceeding the legal limit for cash transactions.
This payment was reportedly made through his Special Assistant, Muazu Abdu, indicating potential breaches of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
Additionally, the ICPC alleges that Saidu “indirectly took control” of the same amount, which he reasonably should have known was derived from unlawful activities, specifically corruption.
