A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Asokoro has warned that it may revoke the bail granted to Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, over persistent delays in his ongoing ₦738.6 million fraud trial.
Justice Abubakar Kutigi issued the warning on Thursday after the defence sought another adjournment, citing a hospital referral letter that failed to indicate any medical condition requiring Maina’s absence from court.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the defence, Justice Kutigi noted that the trial had dragged on for nearly four years due to what he described as the defendant’s “diverse antics.” The judge stressed that Maina had been given ample opportunity to defend himself but had consistently avoided active participation in the proceedings.
The court subsequently rejected the adjournment request, stating that the trial would continue with or without Maina’s presence. Justice Kutigi added that he had secured assurances from the defence team that the matter would proceed uninterrupted.
During the hearing, prosecution counsel Francis Usani called the 14th prosecution witness, Gogi Mohammed, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mohammed testified that Maina allegedly diverted public funds through fictitious contracts, allowances, and a biometric enrolment scheme for pensioners, using officials from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.
The witness further disclosed that investigations traced several properties linked to Maina to his relative, Maimuna Usman, in Kaduna. A search of her residence reportedly uncovered documents for over 30 properties located mainly in Abuja and Kaduna.
According to the EFCC, some of the properties—located in Jabi and Life Camp, Abuja—were allegedly purchased in cash for $2 million and $1.7 million respectively, while another property in Kaduna was acquired for ₦100 million. The anti-graft agency has since applied for the forfeiture of the assets.
The court adjourned the case for continuation of trial, warning that further delays could lead to the revocation of Maina’s bail.
