Former PRTT chairman loses properties to Nigerian government

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a groundbreaking decision that mandates the ultimate forfeiture of at least 20 properties that were previously associated with Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT).

Despite the assertions of ownership by his wife, Laila, and numerous purported relatives and associates, this ruling was rendered.

The court dismissed the claims of ownership put forward by Laila, said to be U.S. citizen, and Maina’s relatives.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik concluded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had successfully demonstrated that the properties were acquired through illegal means.

Justice Abdulmalik emphasized that the EFCC met its burden of proof, establishing that the properties in question were purchased with proceeds from criminal activities. The judge noted that the individuals who contested the interim forfeiture order failed to provide credible evidence to substantiate their ownership claims.

Of the 23 properties listed for forfeiture, three were excluded: Flat 42C, SMC Quarters, Unguwan Dosa, Kaduna; Plot 18, Road F, on TPO 462B C of O Kd5469; and Plot of C of O Bo/426 Beacon B5086, B5087, B5105, B5104, B5099 Cadastral Zone B05 Utako.

The EFCC had previously secured an interim forfeiture order for these properties, with Maina currently serving an eight-year sentence for pension fraud amounting to N2 billion.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik stated that civil cases of non-conviction forfeiture rely on the preponderance of evidence. She remarked, “The respondents have failed to provide credible evidence to establish their ownership of the properties.”

The affected properties span across various locations including Abuja, Nasarawa State, Kaduna State, and Kano State.