Judge Threatens to Revoke Maina’s Bail Over Stalling Tactics

The trial of Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, resumed on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Asokoro, with the presiding judge warning that the defendant’s bail could be revoked over alleged attempts to frustrate proceedings.

Justice Abubakar Kutigi expressed anger following the presentation of a hospital referral by Maina’s counsel, Mr Achibong, who sought an adjournment on health grounds. The court observed that the referral did not disclose any specific ailment requiring a postponement of the trial.

Justice Kutigi noted that the case had made little progress in the last four years due to what he described as “diverse antics” by the defendant. He recalled that Maina had not personally appeared in court for about four years, despite several opportunities granted to him to respond to the fraud allegations.

Describing the situation as unacceptable, the judge said the defendant’s actions had “stalled proceedings completely” and warned that the court might revoke Maina’s bail to compel him to take the trial seriously.

Trial to Proceed With or Without Defendant

The court rejected the defence’s request for adjournment and disclosed that the chambers of the defence counsel had assured the court that the trial would henceforth proceed with or without Maina’s physical presence.

Following the ruling, the prosecution opened its case for the day.

EFCC Presents 14th Witness

Prosecution counsel, Francis Usani, called the 14th prosecution witness, Gogi Mohammed, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, who continued his evidence-in-chief.

The witness told the court that investigations revealed that Maina allegedly used staff of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to siphon funds through fictitious contracts, allowances and biometric enrolment exercises for pensioners.

Search Uncovers Documents to Over 30 Properties

Mohammed said EFCC investigations in Kaduna led to the arrest of a relative of the defendant, Maimuna Usman, who was said to be a custodian of Maina’s assets.

According to him, EFCC operatives executed a search warrant at her residence in Gwando MSC Quarters, Kaduna, where they recovered title documents, deeds of assignment and certificates of occupancy for over 30 properties, mostly located in Abuja and Kaduna State.

He added that Usman admitted during interrogation that the documents were handed to her by Maina.

Properties Allegedly Purchased With Cash

The witness further testified that some of the properties were allegedly acquired in cash, including a property in Jabi, Abuja, purchased for $2 million, another in Life Camp, Abuja, bought for $1.7 million, and a property on Katoru Road, Kaduna, acquired for N100 million.

Alleged Contract Inflation and Cash Transfers

Mohammed told the court that Hamilton Global Services Limited, linked to Osarenkhoe Afe, a member of the Pension Reform Task Team, was initially awarded a biometric enrolment contract valued at N63 million, which was later increased to N199 million.

However, EFCC analysis showed that a total of N224 million was paid for the same contract. The witness said Afe admitted that the contract was inflated at Maina’s instance and that about N250 million was eventually remitted to the former task team chairman in tranches, mainly through post-dated cheques.

Defence Objects to Statements, Court Orders Trial-within-Trial

The witness identified extra-judicial statements made by the first and second defendants in EFCC custody. Defence counsel objected to their admissibility, claiming the statements were obtained under duress.

Justice Kutigi adjourned the matter to February 20 and 26, 2026, for a trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of the statements.

Background of the Case

Maina was arraigned in 2019 alongside Ann Igwe Olachi on a nine-count charge bordering on the receipt of stolen funds totalling N738.6 million. Both defendants pleaded not guilty, paving the way for the ongoing trial.