The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged Muhammad Sa’idu, a former aide to ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, with money laundering in connection with a N155 million transaction.

The case was filed on Tuesday, January 2, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, by Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, the ICPC’s Assistant Legal Officer. Sa’idu, who served as the commissioner for local government affairs, chief of staff, and commissioner for finance during El-Rufai’s administration, faces a two-count charge of money laundering.

Sa’idu is accused of accepting a cash payment of N155 million from Ibrahim Muktar, a staff member in the Ministry of Finance, exceeding the amount authorized by law. The payment, allegedly received through Sa’idu’s Special Assistant, Muazu Abdu, was reportedly linked to corrupt activities.

The ICPC emphasized that Sa’idu and Muktar are being charged for violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The anti-graft agency dismissed prior claims that Sa’idu had been exonerated after a 10-month investigation.

According to the charge, Sa’idu, during his tenure as commissioner of finance, indirectly took control of the N155 million received in cash by Muazu Abdu from Muktar, an action the ICPC contends was part of a larger scheme of unlawful activity.

The charge stipulates that Sa’idu’s actions contravene Section 18(2)(d) and Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering Act, which carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison or a fine not less than five times the value of the crime.

Sa’idu’s arrest follows a petition filed by the police, accusing him of diverting public funds.