Pension Fraud Convict Maina Threatens Legal Action for Defamation

Abdulrasheed Maina, a former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform, convicted of laundering ₦2 billion in pension funds, has threatened legal action against Premium Times for defamation. Maina, currently serving an eight-year prison sentence, demanded a retraction and apology for being labeled a "pension thief." The Nigerian Bar Association dissociated itself from an award given to Maina and condemned his actions, announcing disciplinary proceedings against its branch chairman, Anthony Ojo.

Maina was appointed during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan to reform Nigeria's pension system but was found guilty of diverting funds through fraudulent contracts and fictitious bank accounts. Three siblings testified against Maina, leading to his sentencing by Justice Okon Abang.

Premium Times' Managing Editor, Idri Akinbajo, stood by the publication. The Nigerian Bar Association's President, Afam Osigwe, described Maina's actions as reprehensible.