The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), wanted. The EFCC announced this in a notice signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, published on its official Facebook page. Maina, 61, is accused of receiving stolen property. The commission urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact any of its offices, the nearest police station, or other security agencies.
Maina's wanted status comes months after he failed to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja for his ongoing trial on charges of receiving stolen funds. In February, his absence stalled a trial-within-trial to determine the admissibility of statements he allegedly made to the EFCC. Justice Abubakar Kutigi of the FCT High Court in Asokoro threatened to revoke Maina's bail over his repeated absence from court.
Maina is being prosecuted alongside Ann Igwe Olachi, a civil servant, on a nine-count charge involving the alleged receipt of N738 million in stolen funds. Both defendants pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned in 2019. At the February hearing, Maina's then-lawyer, Achibong, sought an adjournment, presenting a hospital referral letter, which the judge rejected.
The judge noted that the document did not indicate that Maina was ill and that the defence had previously committed to proceeding with the case, regardless of Maina's presence. The judge warned that he was considering revoking Maina's bail to compel him to face the trial. Maina had been released from prison on 25 February 2025 after serving part of an eight-year sentence for money laundering.
Maina was convicted in November 2021 by the Federal High Court in Abuja over money laundering offences involving more than N2 billion in pension funds. The Court of Appeal upheld his conviction and sentence in May 2023. The Nigerian Correctional Service subsequently released him on 25 February 2025 on account of good conduct in prison.
During his previous trial, three of Maina's siblings testified for the prosecution. His sisters told the court that he used their personal details and utility bills to open bank accounts for his company, Common Input Property and Investment Limited. The company was also convicted and ordered to be wound up.
A cross-border investigation reported that Maina allegedly acquired properties worth more than $1.3 million in the United States and Dubai between 2010 and 2013. The acquisitions occurred during the period when the Nigerian government accused him of diverting millions of dollars from pension funds.
Key points
- Abdulrasheed Maina is accused of receiving stolen property and allegedly acquired properties worth over $1.3 million in the US and Dubai.
- Maina's trial was stalled due to his repeated absence from court, prompting the judge to threaten revoking his bail.
- Maina was previously convicted and sentenced to eight years for money laundering offences involving over N2 billion in pension funds.
