Pension Fraud Boss Maina Fires Back: Threatens to Sue Over 'Thief' Label

 

Abdulrasheed Maina, the ex-chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, is threatening to sue Premium Times for calling him a "pension thief". 

Maina was jailed in 2021 for laundering ₦2 billion in pension funds and was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. 

The controversy began when Premium Times reported that Maina received an award from the Garki Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, prompting his lawyer, Emmanuel Ekwe, to accuse the newspaper of publishing defamatory content.

Ekwe demanded a retraction, apology, and a corrective statement within seven days, or face legal action. 

The Nigerian Bar Association's national leadership has distanced itself from the award, with President Afam Osigwe condemning the action and initiating disciplinary proceedings against the branch chairman.

Maina's conviction stemmed from diverting billions of naira through fraudulent contracts and fake bank accounts, with three siblings testifying against him. 

Justice Okon Abang described the case as "sordid, immoral and morbid", noting pensioners suffered and died waiting for their entitlements.

Premium Times Managing Editor, Idris Akinbajo, stood by the report, saying it's "a shame" Maina would threaten the media for calling him a thief.