The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed charges against Muhammad Sa’idu, a former aide to ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, for alleged money laundering. The case was brought before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday by ICPC’s Assistant Legal Officer, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha.
Sa’idu, who served in various key positions including Commissioner of Local Government Affairs, Chief of Staff, and Commissioner of Finance during El-Rufai’s tenure, faces charges alongside Ibrahim Muktar, a staff member in the Ministry of Finance.
According to Charge No. FHC/KD/IC/2025, the two are accused of involvement in a two-count money laundering scheme. The charges follow a lengthy investigation period, dispelling previous claims that Sa’idu had been cleared of all accusations after a 10-month probe.
Money Laundering Allegations Against Sa’idu and Muktar
The charges state that, in March 2022, Sa’idu, while serving as the Commissioner of Finance, accepted a cash payment of N155 million from Ibrahim Muktar, a transaction exceeding the legally authorized amount. This payment was allegedly made through a proxy, Muazu Abdu, Sa’idu’s Special Assistant. The ICPC claims this constituted a violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, specifically under Section 2(a) and Section 19(d).
In addition to the first charge, the ICPC further alleges that Sa’idu indirectly took control of the N155 million, which was received in cash by Muazu Abdu from Muktar. The commission asserts that Sa’idu should have reasonably known that this amount formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity, specifically corruption. This accusation falls under Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Legal Implications and Penalties
Under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, anyone found guilty of contravening the provisions outlined in subsection (2) is liable to imprisonment for a term ranging from four to fourteen years or a fine not less than five times the value of the proceeds of the crime, or both.
Saidu’s arrest by the police on January 2, 2025, came after a petition accused him of diverting public funds, leading to his subsequent charging by the anti-graft agency.