The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdularasheed Maina, the former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, wanted for allegedly receiving stolen property. A wanted notice was shared on the EFCC's social media account, signed by Dele Oyewale, the agency's head of Media and Publicity. Maina, 61, from Biu in Borno State, is sought in connection with this alleged crime. The notice urged the public to assist in locating him.
The EFCC notice stated that Maina is wanted in an alleged case of receiving stolen property. The public is encouraged to provide information regarding his whereabouts to the EFCC offices in various locations, including Ibadan, Uyo, and Abuja. Individuals can also contact the commission via telephone or email. Furthermore, the public is advised to report any information to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
This latest development is linked to Maina's ongoing legal challenges concerning allegations related to pension funds. Maina was previously declared wanted by the EFCC after failing to attend his trial linked to an alleged N2 billion fraud involving the pension reform programme. He was arrested in the Niger Republic in 2019 and returned to Nigeria to face charges.
In November 2021, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Maina and sentenced him to eight years in prison for money laundering offences. Prosecutors linked him to the management of funds allegedly derived from unlawful activities. The Nigerian Correctional Service later revealed that Maina was released from custody on February 25, 2025, after serving part of his sentence.
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Maina's release was granted due to good conduct in prison and was in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. However, the EFCC's latest declaration suggests that Maina's legal issues are not yet resolved. The agency's efforts to locate him indicate that further investigations or prosecutions may be pending.
The EFCC's declaration of Maina as wanted again raises questions about the status of his previous convictions and the extent of his involvement in pension-related malfeasance. The agency's investigation into alleged pension fund irregularities has been ongoing, with several high-profile cases linked to Maina and other officials.
The case highlights the complexities of prosecuting financial crimes in Nigeria and the challenges of ensuring accountability in the management of public funds. As the EFCC continues to investigate and prosecute cases related to pension fund malfeasance, the public remains eager for updates on the status of Maina and other officials implicated in these scandals.
Key points
- The EFCC has declared Abdularasheed Maina wanted for allegedly receiving stolen property, amid ongoing investigations into pension fund irregularities.
- Maina was previously convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison for money laundering offences, but was released in 2025 after serving part of his sentence.
- The EFCC is urging the public to provide information regarding Maina's whereabouts to assist in his apprehension.
