The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, ordered the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remand Abdulrasheed Maina, former Chairman, Pension Reform Task Team, in the Nigerian Correctional Service ‘s centre pending the determination of the case.
Justice Okon Abang, who gave the order adjourned the matter till Oct. 30 for commencement of trial.
The anti-graft agency is arraigning the former pension task team chairman on a 12-count charge bordering on “money laundering, operating fictitious bank accounts and fraud.”
The development is coming after Folashade Ogunbanjo, a judge, ordered the forfeiture of 23 property linked to him.
The judge gave the order following an ex parte motion filed by the EFCC
EFCC’s motion was supported by a 30-paragraph affidavit which it brought pursuant to section 17 of Anti-money Laundering Act.
Maina is accused of being involved in pension fraud running into over N100 billion.
The Federal Civil Service Commission dismissed him in 2013 for “absconding from duty” but he returned to the country in 2017 and was reinstated as a director in the interior ministry.
Following outrage, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered his dismissal and demanded a probe of his recall.
Also arraigned in the court Friday was Maina’s son, Faisal.
Justice Abang also ordered Faisal to be reminded but in police custody pending the determination of his case which has been adjourned to November 6 for trial.
The judge ordered that he should be remanded at the Police Tactical Squad, Asokoro.
Justice Abang said that the trial, which would commence on Nov. 6, would be from day to day and any frivolous application would not be granted.
Faisal is being arraigned in the same court on a three-count charge.
