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UPDATED: Custody drama as ex-Pension boss, Maina bags 8-year jail term for money laundering

Published

4 years ago

November 8, 2021

…. armed security agents foil EFCC’s attempt to re-arrest him within the court premises

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, convicted and sentenced the former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, PRTT, Mr Abdulrasheed Maina, to eight years in prison for money laundering.

The court, in the judgement that was delivered by Justice Okon Abang, found Maina guilty on all the 12-count charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him and his company, Common Input Property and Investment Limited.

It held that the anti-graft agency successfully established the essential ingredients of offences contained in the charge, beyond a reasonable doubt.

Justice Abang held that the sentence would run concurrently, with effect from October 25, 2019, which was the day the Defendants were arraigned.

He ordered Maina and his firm to forfeit about N2.1billion that was traced to their bank accounts, as well as another sum of $223, 396, 30, to the Federal Government, after which he directed that the company should be wound up.

The court held that the forfeited funds should be paid to FG within 90 days.

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Besides, it ordered the forfeiture of Maina’s two choice properties at Life camp and Jabi districts of Abuja, to the government, likewise the auction of a bulletproof car and a BMW 5 Series exotic car that was found in premises of the convict.

Justice Abang stressed that though the law made provision for a maximum sentence of 14 years for the offence that was committed by the Defendants, he said he was moved by Maina’s plea for mercy.

Meanwhile, drama ensued shortly after the judgement, as plain-clothed officials of the EFCC, attempted to re-arrest the convicted former pension boss within the court premises.

The EFCC agents had immediately officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS, who were leading Maina out of the court, used both a Hilux and a White Hiace Bus, to block the vehicle that was meant to convey the convict to prison.

Their move to grab Maina was vehemently resisted by armed officials of the NCS.

After the clash that lasted over 30mins, the EFCC operatives backed out and allowed Maina to be taken away by officials from Kuje Correctional Center.

Though there is another criminal case pending against Maina before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, it was however not clear why the EFCC wanted to take him into its custody.

Meantime, earlier in his judgement, Justice Abang held that EFCC successfully discharged the evidential burden that was placed on it by the law, noting that the Defendants failed to offer any concrete defence to the charge.

He held that the EFCC adduced sufficient evidence that was “unchallenged”.

Justice Abang said there was uncontroverted evidence that Maina had at a period that pension funds were stolen, paid in over N1.5million, N500m and N300m, into five bank accounts that were traced to him.

He said there was no explanation from the 1st Defendant about where the money, which was above his legitimate earnings, came from.

The trial judge held that Defendant, whose monthly salary was about N250, 000, could not have been able to save over an N2billion, within the 30 days period that the deposits were made.

“Judgement is hereby entered in favour of the Prosecution and the Defendant is accordingly convicted”, he held.

At this juncture, Maina’s lawyer, Mr Olusegun Jolawon, SAN, begged the court for leniency.

“I beg my lord to give the Defendant a second chance by not bringing down the full weight of the law. Defendant obviously made some mistakes and he is very remorseful about them. He is the breadwinner of both his nuclear and extended family.

“Moreover, there is documentary evidence that he is seriously sick. Nobody is immune to illness”, the defence lawyer added.

Likewise, Maina while addressing the court by himself, apologized for his past conduct.

He said: “My lord, I want to apologise for anything I may have done, with or without my intention. It was all adduced to me.

“I was never opportune to be in the witness box, if not, you would have heard a lot of things”, Maina stated, saying he has three different tumours in his body and would need to undergo a medical operation urgently.

After he had listened to the Allocutus (plea for mercy) by both Maina and his lawyer, Justice Abang said the facts of the case was “sordid, immoral and dirty”.

“Facts of this case portray the moral decadence of the society we live in. Having considered the monumental fraud, about how pensioners’ funds were stolen.

“It is a clear case that the convict is inhuman, heartless and had no compassion for the pensioners. Some of them have suffered, others have died while waiting to get their reward on earth.

“Whereas the convict was feeding fat from their sweat in faraway Dubai, buying properties, driving bulletproof cars that were beyond his legitimate earnings.

“Abnormal situation requires drastic action to send a message to those that believe in dishonesty, to have a rethink”, he added.

The court maintained that FG ought to have withdrawn the operating licenses of the two banks it noted connived with the convict to steal pension funds to the tune of over an N2.1billion.

EFCC had in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/256/2019, alleged that Maina used a bank account that was operated by his firm and laundered funds, part of which he used to acquire landed properties in Abuja.

It told the court that the 1st Defendant (Maina) used fictitious names to open and operate various bank accounts, as well as recruited his relatives that were bankers to operate fake bank accounts through which illicit funds were channelled.

The EFCC alleged that Maina induced staff of some banks to open accounts for him, without conducting the requisite due diligence to verify the identity of the beneficial owner.

The Prosecution maintained that Maina and his company, committed criminal offences, punishable under sections 11(2) (a), 15(3), and 16(2) (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, and also acted in breach of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.

Maina had midway into his trial, jumped bail and escaped from the country.

Though the court okayed his trial in absentia and issued a warrant of arrest against him, Maina, was subsequently re-arrested in the Niger Republic and returned back to the country on December 4, 2020.

EFCC closed its case against the Defendants after it called a total of nine witnesses.

In his defence, Maina, called a sole witness, even as the court, in a ruling on July 16, closed his defence after he failed to produce his second witness.

Subsequent application by the Defendants, to be allowed to re-open their defence, was rejected by the court which described it as an abuse of the judicial process.

The Defendants had applied for the court to compel about 15 persons to appear as his witnesses.

Maina insisted that evidence of the subpoenaed witnesses would be crucial to his defence of the charge.

The court had after he jumped bail, remanded his surety, Senator Ali Ndume, in prison custody.

It ordered Ndume who is representing Borno South Senatorial District, to either produce Defendant for the continuation of his trial or to forfeit his N500m bail bond.

Alternatively, it directed the sale of Ndume’s property situated at Asokoro in Abuja to raise the N500m it said should be paid into the Federation Account.

After he regained his freedom on November 27, 2020, following Maina’s re-arrest, Ndume, applied to withdraw from the case, a request that was rejected by the court.

It will be recalled that Justice Abang had in a judgement he delivered on October 7, also convicted and sentenced Maina’s son, Faisal, to 14 years imprisonment for money laundering.

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MURIC Urges Security Agencies to Protect JAMB Candidates, Exam Centres Nationwide

Published

46 minutes ago

April 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola

MURIC Urges Security Agencies to Protect JAMB Candidates, Exam Centres Nationwide

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on security agencies in Nigeria to ensure maximum protection for candidates and officials participating in the forthcoming Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations scheduled to begin on April 16, 2026.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Islamic human rights organisation stressed the need for heightened security measures across all examination centres nationwide, citing growing insecurity in several parts of the country.

The statement, signed by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to collaborate effectively in safeguarding candidates and examination personnel throughout the examination period.

According to the group, the appeal became necessary due to rising security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, where banditry, communal tensions, and violent attacks have continued to threaten public safety.

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MURIC specifically raised concerns about states such as Plateau, Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kwara, warning that some of these areas remain vulnerable to attacks and mass abductions, particularly targeting young students and examination candidates.

The organisation warned that candidates travelling to and from examination centres could be at risk in volatile locations and called for “special attention” to ensure their safety before, during, and after the examinations.

It further urged security agencies to remain vigilant, noting that “eternal vigilance is the price of freedom,” and emphasised the need for proactive intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms to prevent any disruption of the exercise.

MURIC also highlighted the importance of securing examination venues themselves, stressing that any attack on candidates or officials would have far-reaching consequences on education and national development.

The group reiterated its commitment to advocating for peaceful coexistence and safety for all citizens, especially young Nigerians pursuing education.

The JAMB examination, conducted annually by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, is a critical gateway for admission into tertiary institutions across the country, with hundreds of thousands of candidates expected to participate nationwide.

Security agencies are yet to issue a formal response to the appeal, but authorities have previously assured Nigerians of adequate protection during national examinations and other major public exercises.

MURIC Urges Security Agencies to Protect JAMB Candidates, Exam Centres Nationwide

News

Lafarge Convicted of Terrorism Financing by French Court in Landmark Case

Published

1 hour ago

April 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Lafarge Convicted of Terrorism Financing by French Court in Landmark Case

A French court in Paris has found cement manufacturer Lafarge guilty of financing armed extremist groups during the Syrian civil war, in a landmark ruling that could reshape global standards on corporate responsibility in conflict zones.

The court ruled that the company’s Syrian subsidiary made payments to armed groups, including ISIS and the Nusra Front, between 2013 and 2014, in a bid to keep its cement plant in northern Syria operational during intense fighting.

The judgment also convicted eight former Lafarge employees, including senior executives, for authorising and facilitating the transactions, marking one of the most significant cases of terrorism financing in corporate operations ever handled in France.

According to the court, the payments amounted to approximately $6.5 million, allegedly used to secure safe passage for staff, maintain supply routes, and purchase materials from areas controlled by armed factions.

Presiding judge Isabelle Prévost-Desprez said the arrangement effectively created a “commercial relationship with armed groups,” stressing that economic survival was prioritised over legal and ethical obligations in a war environment.

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The case focused on Lafarge’s Jalabiya cement plant in northern Syria, acquired in 2008 and operating shortly before the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. Investigators told the court that funds were also used to ensure the movement of employees through territories controlled by militant groups.

The ruling has been described by legal experts as a historic precedent in corporate terrorism financing law, as it is among the first instances in France where a multinational company has been convicted for directly funding armed extremist organisations.

The court also examined Lafarge’s operational structure following its 2015 merger into Holcim, which has not yet issued a detailed response to the ruling.

Prosecutors had earlier sought financial penalties and asset confiscation, but the court has yet to announce the final sentence and full penalties in the case.

The verdict follows related proceedings in the United States, where Lafarge previously admitted that its Syrian subsidiary made improper payments to armed groups and agreed to a large financial settlement in a separate investigation.

Analysts say the ruling could have far-reaching consequences for multinational companies operating in high-risk conflict zones, forcing stronger compliance systems, stricter oversight, and tighter controls to prevent indirect funding of armed groups.

The case is widely seen as a turning point in global corporate accountability, highlighting the legal risks companies face when continuing operations in war-torn regions where militant groups exert territorial control.

Lafarge Convicted of Terrorism Financing by French Court in Landmark Case

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Tinubu Declares End to “Broken Revenue System”, Unveils New Economic Reforms

Published

2 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Declares End to “Broken Revenue System”, Unveils New Economic Reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has entered a new phase of economic transformation, insisting that the country will no longer operate a “broken, inefficient and unfair revenue system” as his administration intensifies fiscal and tax reforms.

Tinubu made the remarks in Abuja during the commissioning of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) headquarters, where he reaffirmed that ongoing reforms are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s tax system, improving revenue generation, and restoring public confidence in governance.

He described the reforms as a “covenant with Nigerians,” stressing that they are not political rhetoric but a deliberate effort to rebuild the country’s economic foundations and ensure long-term stability.

According to him, Nigeria is gradually transitioning “from uncertainty to renewed hope” through structural reforms designed to improve efficiency, fairness, and transparency in revenue administration.

The President emphasized that no country can achieve sustainable development with a weak fiscal structure, adding that his administration deliberately embarked on overhauling the system to eliminate leakages, improve compliance, and ensure that national revenue is effectively deployed for development.

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“No nation achieves lasting prosperity on a weak and fragmented revenue system,” Tinubu said, adding that government must earn public trust through a fair and transparent tax structure.

He noted that the reforms are focused on simplifying tax processes, reducing distortions, and creating a more investment-friendly environment that encourages both local and foreign investors.

Tinubu also highlighted early signs of progress, pointing to improvements in fiscal stability, stronger reserves, and increased investor confidence as indicators that the reforms are beginning to yield results.

He attributed these gains to what he called “deliberate policy choices and national discipline,” insisting that the government remains committed to long-term structural changes rather than short-term economic fixes.

The President described the newly commissioned NRS headquarters as a symbol of institutional renewal and administrative efficiency, noting that it represents more than just a physical structure.

“This building is more than concrete and steel. It is a symbol of professionalism, transparency, efficiency and service delivery,” he said.

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Tinubu also tasked the Nigerian Revenue Service with evolving beyond revenue collection into a trust-building institution that reflects accountability and fairness in its operations. He stressed that taxpayers must see clear value for their contributions through improved public services and national development.

“The Nigerian Revenue Service must not only collect revenue, it must build trust,” he said, adding that institutions must demonstrate integrity and responsiveness to citizens.

He further acknowledged the challenges associated with economic reforms, noting that while such policies may cause short-term hardship, they are necessary for long-term prosperity and national stability.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of ongoing reforms, saying sustainable development requires shared sacrifice and collective commitment.

The President also reiterated that Nigeria’s future depends on deliberate policy choices and strong institutions capable of driving inclusive growth and global competitiveness.

“We have chosen reform, we have chosen discipline, we have chosen progress,” he said. “We will stay the course until the promise of Nigeria is matched by the performance of its institutions.”

The commissioning of the NRS headquarters marks a key milestone in the federal government’s broader economic reforms in Nigeria, particularly in tax administration and public finance management, as authorities push to diversify revenue sources beyond oil dependence.