Bashir Saidu, the chief of staff to a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been arrested by Operation Fushin Kada, formerly Operation Yaki, on Tuesday.

Daily Nigerian reports that Mr Saidu, a top political ally of Mr El-Rufai, was rounded up by the operatives of the anti-banditry police outfit at Rigachikun area, allegedly on the orders of the state government.

Sources said the operatives earlier laid ambush near Mr Saidu’s residence at Coronation Crescent, Kaduna, before pinning him down at Rigachikun.

A source familiar with the development said he was first taken to the Operation Fushin Kada office at Constitution Road, where they took his statement and later arraigned him at a magistrate’s court in Rigasa.

Sources familiar with Kaduna politics said politicians loyal to Mr El-Rufai who looted the State dry are currently facing charges either in the state or at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, EFCC or ICPC.