Maina Bail Request To Evade Arrest, Flee To US – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has kicked against a fresh bail application filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Chairperson of the defunct Pension Reformed Task Team (PRTT).

Recall that Maina, who is being prosecuted on money laundering charges involving alleged diversion of N2billion in pension funds, earlier evaded trial and fled to Niger Republic.

The defendant was extradited to Nigeria on December 3, 2020, weeks after the trial judge, Okon Abang, ordered his arrest.

On his appearance in court on December 4, Justice Abang ordered that he be kept in prison till the end of his trial.

The defence lawyer, Anayo Adibe, however, on Wednesday, informed the trial judge that it had filed a fresh bail application on behalf of the defendant whom he said was having “worsening health condition” in detention.

Maina stated in an affidavit filed in support of his fresh bail application that he was absent during his trial in October 2020 because he had to undergo a medical operation on his knee.

But the EFCC, through its lawyer, Mohammed Abubakar, opposed the bail application, saying Mr Maina’s claim of ill health was false.

The Commission in a fresh court document said Maina wanted to flee to the US where he and his family are equally citizens.