The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, wanted. Maina, 61, an indigene of Biu, Borno State, is accused of receiving stolen property. The EFCC urges members of the public with information about his whereabouts to contact any of its offices, the nearest police station, or other security agencies. A notice signed by the agency's Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, provides a telephone number and email address for information.
Maina's declaration as wanted comes amid his long-running legal battles over alleged pension fraud and money laundering. In November 2021, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on charges bordering on money laundering involving over N2 billion. The EFCC arraigned him in October 2019 on a 12-count charge, to which he pleaded not guilty. Justice Okon Abang held that Maina misappropriated over N2 billion belonging to pensioners, some of whom died without benefiting from their entitlements.
The Court of Appeal upheld Maina's conviction and eight-year prison sentence in May 2023. He was subsequently released from Kuje Correctional Centre after serving his jail term. However, his legal troubles continued with a trial before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Asokoro, over alleged financial offences. Maina's case has been ongoing for several years, with various attempts to delay proceedings.
In February 2026, Justice Abubakar Kutigi threatened to revoke Maina's bail due to repeated attempts to delay proceedings. The judge noted that Maina had not appeared in court for about four years. Despite this, the judge obtained an undertaking from Maina's defence lawyers that proceedings would continue with or without his presence.
The latest development comes months after Maina reportedly collapsed while attempting to access his office in Abuja. His media aide, Emmanuel Ekwe, stated that Maina slumped due to complications from an untreated knee injury. Maina was given first aid and taken to a private hospital in Abuja, where he remained under medical supervision.
The EFCC's declaration of Maina as wanted is a significant development in his ongoing legal battles. The agency's efforts to bring him to justice have been ongoing for several years. Maina's case has raised concerns about corruption and accountability in Nigeria's pension system.
The public is urged to provide information about Maina's whereabouts to facilitate his arrest and prosecution. The EFCC's efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes are ongoing, with a focus on holding individuals accountable for their actions. Maina's case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public office.
Key points
- The EFCC has declared Abdulrasheed Maina wanted over alleged stolen property.
- Maina was convicted of money laundering involving over N2 billion in 2021.
- The EFCC urges the public to provide information about Maina's whereabouts.
