Former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Dr. Abdulrasheed Maina, has responded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) declaration of him as a wanted man. Maina's response came through a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by his Senior Media and Legal Assistant, Emmanuel Umahi Ekwe, Esq. The EFCC had published a notice declaring Maina wanted over an alleged case of receiving stolen properties.
Maina's statement described the EFCC publication as a mere allegation, pending the disclosure of the particulars and circumstances upon which it is founded. The legal assistant noted that the published notice did not disclose the nature or description of the alleged stolen property, the alleged transaction, or the person or persons from whom the property was allegedly received. This lack of information, according to Maina's team, makes it premature to speculate on the facts.
The statement further noted that Maina has been involved in several legal proceedings over the years, some of which have been determined, while others remain subject to the judicial process. Maina's team cautioned against conflating the latest EFCC notice with previous proceedings or judicial determinations, insisting that each matter should be considered on its own facts and legal foundation.
Maina's legal team is taking steps to obtain and examine the relevant information concerning this latest development and to advise appropriately on the legal position. They urged the media and members of the public to exercise restraint while the matter proceeds through due process. An allegation contained in a law-enforcement publication, according to the statement, should not, by itself, be treated as a final determination of criminal liability.
The EFCC's wanted notice was published following an alleged case of receiving stolen properties. However, the commission's notice did not provide specific details about the alleged offence, including the date or circumstances of the alleged offence, or the specific legal basis upon which the declaration was made. Maina's team emphasized that further clarification would be provided where appropriate after the necessary information had been obtained and instructions received.
Maina's response to the EFCC's wanted notice highlights the importance of due process in handling allegations of criminal liability. His team emphasized that an allegation, by itself, should not be treated as a final determination of guilt. The statement added that Maina's team would provide further clarification on the matter as more information becomes available.
The development is the latest in a series of legal challenges faced by Maina, who has been involved in several high-profile cases over the years. As the matter unfolds, Maina's team has urged restraint and cautioned against speculation. The EFCC's investigation and any subsequent actions will likely be closely watched by the public and the media.
Key points
- Dr. Abdulrasheed Maina seeks details of allegations against him after EFCC declares him wanted.
- Maina's team cautions against speculating on facts not yet made available.
- The matter highlights the importance of due process in handling allegations of criminal liability.
