ICPC Charges Kaduna Ex-Governor El-Rufai’s Chief Of Staff, Finance Officer With Money Laundering
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Saidu, a former Chief of Staff to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, on allegations of money laundering at the Federal High Court.
Saidu, who also served as Commissioner of Finance in El-Rufai’s administration, was charged alongside Ibrahim Muktar, identified as a public officer in the Ministry of Finance.
The two defendants face a two-count charge related to money laundering, contrary to earlier reports claiming Saidu had been cleared of all allegations after a 10-month investigation.
According to court documents, in March 2022, while serving as Commissioner of Finance, Saidu allegedly accepted a cash payment of N155 million from Muktar, exceeding the legally permissible limit.
The transaction was reportedly facilitated through Saidu’s Special Assistant, Muazu Abdu.
The ICPC claims this act contravenes Section 2(a) and is punishable under Section 19(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The ICPC has accused Saidu of indirectly taking control of N155 million in March 2022 through Muazu Abdul, who reportedly received the money from Ibrahim Muktar.
However, the commission claims Saidu should have reasonably known that the funds were proceeds of corruption, violating Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Under Section 18(3) of the Act, anyone found guilty of such an offence faces a prison term of 4 to 14 years, a fine of at least five times the value of the proceeds, or both.
Meanwhile, the charge, signed by ICPC Assistant Chief Legal Officer Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, was filed on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
