The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a wanted notice for Abdularasheed Maina, a 61-year-old indigene of Biu in Borno State. Maina, who previously served as the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, is wanted in connection with an alleged case of receiving stolen property. The EFCC made the announcement on its official X handle, signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
The EFCC has urged members of the public to provide information leading to Maina's whereabouts. The public is encouraged to contact the commission at its various offices in cities including Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja. Alternatively, individuals can reach out to the commission through its designated telephone line or email address, [email protected] . Information can also be provided to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
This latest development is linked to Maina's long-standing legal issues regarding allegations of pension fund mismanagement. Maina was previously declared wanted by the EFCC for failing to appear for his trial in a case involving an alleged N2 billion fraud linked to the pension reform programme. He was arrested in Niger Republic in 2019 and returned to Nigeria to face trial.
In November 2021, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Maina and sentenced him to eight years in prison for money laundering offences. The prosecution linked him to the handling of funds allegedly derived from unlawful activities. The Nigerian Correctional Service later disclosed that Maina was released from custody on February 25, 2025, after serving part of his sentence, citing good conduct.
The EFCC's wanted notice did not provide further details on the alleged stolen property case or specify when the alleged offence occurred. Maina's case has garnered significant attention due to its connection to the pension reform programme and allegations of financial misconduct.
The EFCC's efforts to apprehend Maina reflect its ongoing commitment to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes. The commission has encouraged the public to cooperate in locating Maina, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in combating corruption and financial malfeasance.
Maina's case highlights the complexities and challenges in addressing corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria. The EFCC's actions demonstrate the government's efforts to hold individuals accountable for financial misconduct and recover stolen assets. The public's cooperation is crucial in ensuring that those responsible for financial crimes face justice.
Key points
- The EFCC has declared Abdularasheed Maina wanted over an alleged case of receiving stolen property.
- Maina was previously convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison for money laundering offences related to pension fund mismanagement.
- The public is encouraged to provide information leading to Maina's whereabouts to the EFCC or other security agencies.
