The trial judge, Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered that the ex-chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center pending the conclusion of his trial.
On Friday, Mr Maina’s counsel, Francis Orusanya, withdrew from the case thereby compelling his new counsel, Abel Adaji, to ask for an adjournment to enable him to study and be up to date on the case.
The EFCC counsel, Mohammed Abubakar, prayed the court that Mr Maina be remanded in custody with the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Mr Abubakar reminded the court of a bench warrant it issued against the defendant on November 18.
“We apply for the defendant to be remanded in prison custody pending his trial, his earlier bail having been revoked,” he said.
Mr Abang granted the application for adjournment, adding that the defendant, who is said to be innocent, is entitled to legal representation.
The judge then adjourned the case till December 8 for the continuation of the trial.
Mr Maina is facing a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering by the EFCC.
The former chairperson of the pension task force, who had been absent in court on multiple occasions, was declared wanted when the court believed he had jumped bail.
