-
Abdulrasheed Maina risks losing bail over delays in alleged N738.6m fraud trial
-
Judge rejects hospital excuse, vows trial will proceed with or without defendant
-
EFCC details cash purchases of luxury properties linked to pension fraud
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Asokoro, Abuja, on Thursday warned former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, that his bail could be revoked following repeated delays in his ongoing trial over alleged N738.6 million fraud.
Justice Abubakar Kutigi issued the warning after the defence sought another adjournment, relying on a hospital referral letter that failed to indicate any serious medical condition.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The judge expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the proceedings, noting that the trial had dragged on for nearly four years due to what he described as the defendant’s “diverse antics”.
Justice Kutigi observed that despite being granted several opportunities to defend himself, Maina had largely avoided meaningful participation in the trial.
He disclosed that assurances had been obtained from Maina’s legal team that the case would proceed regardless of the defendant’s physical presence in court, effectively dismissing the request for adjournment.
Following the ruling, prosecution counsel, Francis Usani, called the 14th prosecution witness, Gogi Mohammed, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
READ ALSO: Ex-Pension Reform Chairman Dr. Abdulrasheed Maina Collapses, Hospitalised in Abuja
Mohammed told the court that Maina allegedly exploited officials of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to divert pension funds through fictitious contracts, inflated allowances and a fraudulent biometric enrolment exercise for pensioners.
The witness further revealed that investigations traced several assets linked to Maina to his relative, Maimuna Usman, based in Kaduna.
According to him, a search of Usman’s residence uncovered documents relating to more than 30 properties, mostly located in Abuja and Kaduna, which were allegedly handed over to her by Maina.
Some of the properties, including a building in Jabi, Abuja, and another in Life Camp, Abuja, were said to have been purchased in cash for $2 million and $1.7 million respectively, while a property on Katoru Road, Kaduna, was reportedly acquired for N100 million.
The EFCC has filed applications seeking the forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government.
The court adjourned proceedings, indicating that the trial would continue despite Maina’s absence if necessary.