A former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina, who was jailed for stealing over ₦2 billion from pension funds has received an award from the Nigerian Bar Association, Garki branch in Abuja.
Maina was honoured with the Rule of Law and Courage Award by the NBA Garki Branch at an event held on Jimmy Carter Street, Asokoro.
He appeared at the ceremony wearing a muffler bearing the inscription, “Patron, NBA Garki Branch.”
Speaking during the occasion, Maina called for a renewed investigation into a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alleging that more public funds could be recovered from him.
The disgraced chairman alleged that Malami, who is currently facing money laundering charges alongside his wife and son, had not been thoroughly investigated.
He added that alleged misconduct occurred during the previous administration, insisting that such actions would not happen under the current government.
Malami is currently standing trial alongside his wife and son over alleged money laundering. They were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and initially remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre before being granted bail. He was later rearrested by the Department of State Services.
Despite his conviction, Maina denied wrongdoing at the event, alleging that powerful individuals in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari orchestrated his prosecution.
He claimed he was flown out of Nigeria on a government aircraft for medical treatment after jumping bail, only to later be arrested in Niger Republic and accused of fleeing justice.
Reall that in November 2021, Maina was convicted and sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for money laundering involving ₦2bn in pension funds.
Delivering the Judgement, Justice Okon Abang said Maina treated pensioners with “disdain and levity,” noting that some victims died while waiting for their entitlements
