The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, wanted over an alleged case of receiving stolen property. On September 23, 2026, the commission published Maina's photograph on its wanted list, asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the agency or the nearest security agency. This is not the first time Maina has been declared wanted by the EFCC.
Maina was first declared wanted in 2015 over alleged pension-related fraud. He was accused of involvement in alleged fraud surrounding biometric enrolment contracts for pensioners, along with former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Stephen Oronsaye, and businessman Osarenkhoe Afe. The EFCC said Maina had been charged alongside the other defendants in a 24-count case involving alleged procurement fraud and obtaining money by false pretence.
Maina was eventually arrested in Niger Republic in 2020, brought back to Nigeria, and convicted of money laundering in 2021. He was sentenced to eight years in prison and ordered to refund ₦1 billion to the Federal Government. His company was also ordered to refund ₦183 million and $223,000. The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction and sentence in May 2023.
Despite serving part of his sentence, Maina was released on February 25, 2025, due to statutory remission based on good conduct and industry while in custody. However, his release did not mark the end of his legal problems. Maina is also facing a separate case before the FCT High Court in Abuja, alongside Ann Igwe Olachi, over the alleged receipt of ₦738.6 million in stolen funds.
The new case against Maina concerns an alleged receipt of stolen property, but the EFCC has not provided details of the property or its value. Maina's media aide reported that he had suffered another collapse in February 2026 due to an untreated knee injury. The aide claimed that Maina slumped outside his office after losing his balance.
The EFCC's latest wanted notice has raised concerns about Maina's ability to evade capture. His previous arrest in Niger Republic was a result of an operation involving INTERPOL Nigeria, the Nigerian Police Force, and their Nigerien counterparts. Maina's health issues have been a factor in his applications for bail, with his lawyer previously citing a knee problem that required medical treatment.
The development has sparked renewed interest in Maina's long-standing legal battles with the EFCC. As the commission continues to pursue him, Maina's whereabouts remain unknown. The EFCC has urged anyone with information about his location to come forward and assist in his apprehension.
Key points
- Abdulrasheed Maina was first declared wanted in 2015 over alleged pension-related fraud.
- Maina was convicted of money laundering in 2021 and released in February 2025 after statutory remission.
- The EFCC's latest wanted notice concerns an alleged receipt of stolen property, but gives no details of the property or its value.
