The Kaduna State High Court has declined to hear the bail application of Mohammed Bashir Sa’idu, a former commissioner in the state, who is facing trial on charges of alleged money laundering,Thecable reports.
Sa’idu was arraigned by the Kaduna State Government on Tuesday on a 10-count charge of money laundering, embezzlement, and theft. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The state government accused Sa’idu of selling $45 million in hard currency belonging to the Kaduna State Government at an undervalued rate of N410 per dollar, instead of the parallel market rate of N498 per dollar, during his tenure as commissioner for finance in 2022 under former governor Nasir el-Rufai. The transaction allegedly caused a loss of N3.96 billion to the government.
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During the proceedings, M.I. Abubakar, counsel for the former commissioner, requested bail for his client, citing his arrest on January 2, 2025, and the need to adequately prepare his defense. However, the prosecuting counsel, Nasiru Aliyu, opposed the application, arguing that the law allows the prosecution seven days to file a response to such requests.
In his ruling, Justice Isa Aliyu upheld the prosecution’s argument, granting their request for time to respond. The judge adjourned the case to January 23 for a hearing on the bail application.
Sa’idu previously served as commissioner for local government affairs, chief of staff, and commissioner for finance during the el-Rufai administration. He is also facing a similar charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
