The Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced the trial of Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Pension Reformed Task Team, for alleged money laundering, in absentia.
Maina, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on N2bn money laundering charges, had last attended court on July 2, 2020, during the cross-examination of the sixth prosecution witness by his legal team.
He had however failed to attend subsequent proceedings since September 29, 2020, prompting the judge, Justice Okon Abang, to adjudge him as having jumped bail in a ruling delivered on November 18, 2020.
Justice Okon Abang gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the nod to tender more evidence against Maina, whose decision to jump bail, led the court to remand his surety in Kuje Correctional Center.
He is to remain there until he produces in court Abdulrasheed Maina, whom he stood surety for on July 24.
Alternatively, the court held that Ndume will regain his freedom when his Abuja property is sold to raise the N500million bail bond on Maina’s head. It directed that proceed from the sold property should be paid into the federation account.
It directed that proceed from the sold property should be paid into the federation account.
Maina is facing a 12-count money laundering charge alongside a firm, Common Input Properties & Investment Limited.
EFCC alleged that he used account of the firm and laundered funds to the tune of about N2billion, part of which he used to acquire landed properties in Abuja.
The anti-graft agency in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/256/2019, alleged that the ex-Pension boss 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.
