Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has reunited with his longtime friend and political associate Bashir Saidu, who walked free on Wednesday after spending 50 days behind bars in Kaduna prison.
Saidu, who served as El-Rufai‘s Chief of Staff and held positions as Commissioner for Finance and Local Government Affairs, was arrested in January during a sweep by Operation Fushin Kada police at Rigachikun.
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) later brought money laundering charges against him.
In an emotionally charged statement, El-Rufai didn’t hold back his feelings about his ally’s detention, calling it an “abduction and unjustified incarceration.”
The former governor highlighted their deep-rooted connection, noting they’ve been friends for over five decades since their school days at Barewa College in Zaria.
“A grassroots politician, sound technocrat, and true public servant, Bashir largely dominates the progressive politics of Kaduna North and Central Senatorial Districts,” El-Rufai stated, suggesting this political influence was “the main reason behind his persecution.”
In what appeared to be a direct challenge to his political opponents, El-Rufai promised retribution, declaring “the payback to those behind it will be known on or before the 2027 elections, in sha Allah.”
The former governor also took aim at law enforcement and the judiciary, criticizing “the role of some policemen in the abduction” and calling out judges from both Federal and State High Courts for allegedly “obstructing and delaying bail for clearly bailable offences.”
He hinted at future revelations, telling supporters to “stand by for some interesting insights.”
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