Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused Governor Uba Sani’s administration of meddling in the ongoing corruption trials of two of his former aides, alleging that the state government is obstructing their release from detention.
In a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, El-Rufai claimed that the cases against Bashir Sai’du and Jimi Lawal—both of whom served under his administration—are being politicized, with selective prosecution targeting his allies.
According to reports, the two former aides face corruption charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). On January 21, 2025, the Federal High Court in Kaduna granted bail to Lawal, a former senior adviser, and three others arraigned on charges of fraud and other financial crimes.
However, El-Rufai alleged that only his loyalists are being prosecuted, while those aligned with Governor Sani’s administration remain untouched.
“For clarity, since early 2024, numerous individuals who served in my administration have been selectively summoned and questioned by anti-corruption agencies,” he wrote.
He continued, “Others seem to have escaped scrutiny due to their current positions within the Senator Uba Sani-led Kaduna State Government or at the national level. This selective approach raises concerns about the fairness of the process.”
Claims of Political Persecution
El-Rufai further claimed that Sai’du was unlawfully detained on December 31, 2024, by armed police officers on Governor Sani’s orders and was quickly taken to a magistrate court in Rigasa, where he was remanded in Kaduna Prison until January 21, 2025.
“Both Bashir Sai’du and Jimi Lawal were later brought before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on charges filed by the ICPC. Additionally, the Uba Sani government lodged another case against Sai’du at the State High Court,” he added.
Despite being granted bail with stringent conditions, El-Rufai accused the Kaduna State Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) of intentionally obstructing the verification of certificates of occupancy (C-of-O)—a condition required for their release. He stated, “In an unexpected move, KADGIS abruptly suspended verification services for C-of-O after the bail was granted. This has hindered the lawful release of Bashir and Jimi.”
El-Rufai argued that this suspension is a violation of court orders, noting that the Court Registry sent multiple reminders to KADGIS officials, which were ignored.
He also alleged that despite meeting bail conditions, a judge assigned to sign the release order—while Justice Aikawa was away—refused to do so.
“This apparent defiance suggests interference from higher authorities or political pressure,” El-Rufai claimed.
