Categories: Nigeria News

Untold story behind Maina’s drama in court on Thursday

The former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Taskforce Team, Abulrasheed Maina, who is facing money laundering charges, on Thursday, collapsed before trial Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Maina slumped shortly after the court resumed proceedings in the 12-count charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him and his firm, Common Input Property and Investment Limited.

Maina had on Wednesday after the EFCC closed its case with nine witnesses, secured permission of the court to enter a no-case-submission to the charges against him.

However, when the case was called on Thursday, Maina’s lawyer, Mr. Anayo Adibe, told the court that his client would not be able to proceed with his application.

Abide said he was unable to prepare the no-case-submission owing to the fact that he was not availed with records of proceedings of the court in the matter.

The defence lawyer was about to make further submission when his client, Maina, slumped beside the dock where the court permitted him to sit.

Some lawyers and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service quickly rushed to his aid, a development that forced trial Justice Abang to suspend sitting.

EFCC had in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/256/2019, alleged that Maina used a bank account that was operated by his firm and laundered funds to the tune of about N2billion, part of which he used to acquire landed properties in Abuja.

It told the court that the Defendant 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 channeled.

The Prosecution told the court that contrary to financial regulations, the banks, opened phony accounts for the Defendant, without conducting due diligence to ascertain the true identities of the owners.

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Probe panel: Ortom defeats Benue state govt at appeal court

The Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, on Thursday set aside the ruling of the Benue…

9 hours ago

Police take action over murder of lawyer Mark Ofikwu in Otukpo

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the tragic killing of prominent Otukpo-based lawyer and…

10 hours ago

BREAKING: Reps reject bill proposing six-year single tenure for president, governors

A bill proposing a six-year single term for the office of the president and state…

12 hours ago

BREAKING: Senate approves Tinubu’s ₦1.77 Trillion loan request to address 2024 Budget deficit

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2b) loan request following a voice…

13 hours ago

Finland arrests Simon Ekpa, four others over terrorism financing

Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, and four others have been arrested in Finland for involvement…

13 hours ago

BREAKING: Biafra: Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, and four other persons have been arrested in Finland over…

13 hours ago