Again, EFCC declares ex-pension boss Maina wanted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, wanted again for allegedly receiving stolen property. Maina, 61, hails from Biu in Borno State. The commission made the declaration in a public notice on Wednesday, accompanied by a photograph of Maina.

In November 2015, he was previously declared wanted by the EFCC for allegations of procurement fraud, stealing, and money laundering related to the pension biometric scam. The EFCC has urged the public to contact them or local police stations with information regarding Maina's whereabouts. The commission provided a list of its offices across various states in Nigeria where the public can submit information.

Maina gained prominence as the head of the pension reforms task force under former President Goodluck Jonathan, where he aimed to recover pension funds and address alleged fraud within the system. However, his tenure was marred by legal issues after he was prosecuted by the EFCC for money laundering connected to the pension reforms.

He was convicted in November 2022 by the Federal High Court in Abuja and sentenced to eight years in prison, with the court also ordering the forfeiture of assets linked to the case. The EFCC's latest notice does not specify whether the current wanted declaration is related to his previous case or provides details about the alleged stolen property involved.