Bashir Saidu, the Chief of Staff to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was arrested by Operation Fushin Kada, also known as Operation Yaki, on Tuesday on the alleged orders of Governor Uba Sani.
Saidu, a key political ally of El-Rufai, was detained by operatives of the anti-banditry police unit at Rigachikun.
According to sources who spoke with Daily Nigerian, the operatives had laid an ambush near Saidu’s residence at Coronation Crescent in Kaduna before capturing him at Rigachikun.
He was subsequently taken to the Operation Fushin Kada office on Constitution Road for questioning, before being arraigned at the magistrate’s court in Rigasa.
A source close to the situation stated: “I wonder why Operation Yaki (Operation Fushin Kada) will involve itself in a clear case of political witch-hunt and repression against loyalists of former Governor El-Rufai.
“The operatives have abandoned their job of protecting the citizens against bandits and kidnappers to harass innocent citizens.
It is strange that Operation Yaki is now preparing FIR and filing charges against perceived opponents of the governor.”
Despite providing a statement denying involvement in money laundering and the sale of 12 government houses, Saidu was taken to court.
After hearing the prosecution and defence counsel, Magistrate Muhammad Lawal Musa rejected the bail application and ordered Saidu’s remand at Kaduna Central Prison.
The case was adjourned to January 21, 2025.
Sources familiar with Kaduna politics have noted that many of El-Rufai’s loyalists are facing charges either in the state or at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, EFCC, or ICPC.
Attempts to reach Ibraheem Musa, the spokesperson for Governor Uba Sani, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing the report.