Nigerian Correctional Service Explains Abdulrasheed Maina's Early Release After Money Laundering Conviction

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) clarified the release of Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform, convicted of money laundering. Maina, sentenced to eight years in November 2021 for laundering ₦2 billion in pension funds, was released in February 2025.

The NCoS, in response to a joint information request from Premium Times and OCCRP, stated that Maina's early release was in compliance with established prison rules and not due to any preferential treatment. Maina's release was based on the rules governing prison remission, resulting in his earliest release date being February 25, 2025.

Maina, who faced separate embezzlement charges pending in court, had maintained a low profile until recently when he was appointed as a patron by a branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, leading to controversy and disciplinary proceedings against Anthony Ojo, the branch president.