‘Sensational And Malicious’ – Pension Fraud Convict Maina Threatens Legal Action

Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms who was convicted and jailed over the laundering of ₦2 billion pension funds, has threatened to sue Premium Times for describing him as a “pension thief.”

In a letter dated Monday, his lawyer, Emmanuel Ekwe, accused the online newspaper of publishing defamatory content and demanded a retraction and apology within seven days, failing which legal action would be instituted.

The threat followed a report by Premium Times that Maina, who was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment in 2021, received an award from the Garki Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association last Thursday.

Ekwe described the publication as “sensational, malicious and defamatory,” particularly objecting to the repeated description of his client as a “pension thief.”

In his letter titled “Re: Defamatory Publication Concerning Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina – Demand for Retraction, Apology and Publication of Corrective Statement,” Ekwe demanded immediate retraction of the publication from all Premium Times platforms, publication of a clear and unreserved apology with equal prominence, publication of a corrective statement clarifying that Maina lawfully completed his term of incarceration, and a written undertaking that the defamatory expressions shall not be repeated.

“Take notice that unless these demands are complied with within seven (7) days from receipt of this letter, Our Client shall, without further notice, commence appropriate legal proceedings against Premium Times Nigeria, the author, and all responsible parties, seeking damages, aggravated damages, declaratory reliefs, and injunctive orders, in addition to costs of action,” the letter stated.

Following public backlash, the national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association dissociated itself from the award given to Maina by the Garki Branch.

NBA President, Afam Osigwe, condemned the action and announced the commencement of disciplinary proceedings against the branch chairman, Anthony Ojo.

“The purported appointment not only paints the legal profession in a bad light but also makes a mockery of the fight against corruption,” Osigwe said, describing the move as reprehensible.

Background to Maina’s conviction

Maina was appointed during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan to reform Nigeria’s pension system through biometric verification.

However, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, he diverted billions of naira through fraudulent contracts and fictitious bank accounts operated with the help of relatives.

In charge FHC/ABJ/CR/256/2019, three of his siblings testified against him, detailing how he used their identities to open accounts for illicit transactions.

In November 2021, Justice Okon Abang sentenced Maina to eight years’ imprisonment, describing the case as “sordid, immoral and morbid,” and noting that some pensioners “suffered and died while waiting for their entitlements.”

Publication responds

Reacting to the threat, Premium Times Managing Editor, Idris Akinbajo, said the organisation stood by its report.

“It is a shame that a former public official who laundered public funds and was caught, tried, convicted and jailed will turn around to threaten the media for calling him a thief,” Mr Akinbajo said. “We stand by our story and will continue to report fearlessly and accurately to hold power to account.”