The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Saidu, the former Chief of Staff to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alongside Ibrahim Muktar, a public officer in the Ministry of Finance, over allegations of money laundering.
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The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, come after a 10-month investigation into allegations of financial misconduct.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting Saidu had been cleared, the defendants now face a two-count charge under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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Allegations of Illicit Transactions
Court documents allege that in March 2022, while serving as Commissioner of Finance, Saidu accepted a cash payment of N155 million from Muktar through his Special Assistant, Muazu Abdu.
The transaction reportedly exceeded the legally permissible cash limit, violating Section 2(a) of the Money Laundering Act and punishable under Section 19(d).
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The ICPC further claims that Saidu indirectly took control of the N155 million, despite reasonable grounds to suspect the funds were proceeds of corruption. This act contravenes Section 18(2)(d) of the Act, with penalties under Section 18(3) including imprisonment for 4 to 14 years, fines of at least five times the amount involved, or both.
Charges Filed by ICPC Legal Team
The charge sheet, signed by ICPC Assistant Chief Legal Officer Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, details the offences and the evidence gathered against the defendants. Saidu and Muktar will now face trial at the Federal High Court.
Implications and Next Steps
This development marks a significant step in the ICPC’s commitment to curbing corruption and money laundering in public offices. The case highlights ongoing efforts to hold officials accountable for financial misconduct and ensure transparency in governance.
As the trial progresses, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court in Kaduna for further developments in this high-profile case.