TheCable

Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), has been extradited to Nigeria after his arrest in Niger Republic on Monday.

He was received by men of the Nigerian Police Force at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday.

Maina, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering to the tune of N2 billion, jumped bail and went into hiding in September.

Consequently, Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, who stood as his surety was remanded in prison custody.

After about four days in custody, the court granted the senator bail on the grounds that he has a record of “good behaviour”.

Upon the news of Maina’s arrest in Niger Republic, Frank Mba, police spokesman, said efforts were being made to extradite him to Nigeria for the continuation of his trial.

At the trial (in absentia) of the defendant, on Thursday, Joe Gazama, his lawyer, filed a notice to disengage as a counsel in the matter.

Also, Adeola Adedipe, counsel representing Maina’s company, Common Input Investment Limited, withdrew from the case on the grounds that he is yet to be paid for his services and he is unable to locate Maina.