Judge Warns Maina in ₦738.6 Million Fraud Case Over Trial Delays

In a ₦738.6 million fraud case, the former chairman of the defunct pension reform task team, Maina, faced a fresh judicial warning from Justice Abubakar Kutigi at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Asokoro. The judge expressed displeasure at the trial's prolonged nature, nearly four years of delays, and the defendant's lack of active participation.

Maina is accused of siphoning funds through fictitious contracts and illegal biometric enrollment exercises. The EFCC investigation revealed assets linked to Maina, including over 30 properties in Abuja and Kaduna.

The prosecution presented evidence of Maina's alleged involvement in fraudulent activities, with witnesses testifying to his illicit financial transactions. Despite Maina's absence, the trial is expected to continue, with the EFCC seeking the forfeiture of the traced properties.