The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has publicly distanced itself from the alleged appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a convicted pension scammer, as ‘Patron’ of its Garki branch in Abuja. The NBA labeled the action disgraceful, stating it mocks both the legal profession and efforts to combat corruption.
PREMIUM TIMES has revealed that Maina, a disgraced former head of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, was recently awarded by the Garki Branch of the NBA at a ceremony held on Jimmy Carter Street, Asokoro, Abuja, despite being imprisoned for embezzling over N2 billion from pension funds.
During the award event, Maina was celebrated with the Rule of Law and Courage Award while being visibly adorned with a scarf proclaiming, 'Patron, NBA Garki branch.'
However, shortly after, NBA President Mazi Osigwe released a statement on Friday condemning the appointment made by the Garki Branch Chairman, Anthony Ojo, and declared that disciplinary actions against Ojo would be initiated.
“The alleged appointment not only reflects badly on the legal community and the NBA but also undermines the government’s ongoing battle against corruption and our commitment to upholding the rule of law,” Mr. Osigwe expressed in the statement.
He further criticized those endorsing Maina's reception of accolades, accusing them of enabling corrupt conduct and stating that the Bar would fail its societal obligations, as well as its dedication to justice, if it condones such actions.
At the award gathering, Maina called for a thorough investigation into former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, asserting that the current findings may only be a fraction of what exists. “The government must ensure accountability, transparency, and adherence to the law. Malami should be investigated and prosecuted thoroughly, as he has evaded proper scrutiny,” Maina asserted.
Maina suggested that influential figures from previous administrations were responsible for his corruption case, denying any wrongdoing and claiming that powerful elements in the Buhari government were targeting him.
Maina’s background reveals that he was tasked by the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration in 2010 to reform the corrupt pension system, employing biometric verifications to eliminate fraudulent entries. However, he was subsequently charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a case that implicated him in an extensive financial fraud scheme involving the creation of fictitious accounts and engaging family members to facilitate the operation of these accounts.
Testimonies against him were provided by his siblings, who detailed how he exploited their personal information to perpetrate his fraudulent activities.
It has been reported that several Nigerian banks, including United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Fidelity Bank Plc, served as channels for Maina’s illicit financial activities.
After fleeing from Nigeria in 2013, he was declared wanted by the EFCC. His eventual apprehension and subsequent indictment for money laundering occurred in 2019, following which he was extradited to Nigeria from Niger Republic after an Interpol alert.
In November 2021, Justice Okon Abang sentenced him to eight years in prison for laundering funds amounting to N2 billion. Justice Abang criticized Maina's disdain for the pensioners, noting that many had suffered or perished while awaiting their dues.
The fraud’s facilitating company was also convicted and ordered to be dissolved by the court. In November 2022, Maina’s son, Faisal Maina, received a 14-year prison sentence for similar money laundering infractions regarding pension fund diversion.
The final ruling in 2024 led to the forfeiture of 23 properties owned by Maina, including one purchased with a cash payment of $1.4 million.
Following his release from prison, the timeline remains uncertain. A close associate indicated that Maina completed his sentence and returned home quietly in February 2025, using calculations of the prison service regarding his incarceration.
This most recent NBA event marked one of Maina’s first public outings since his release. He recounted that during his time on the run, he was airlifted out of the country on a governmental jet for medical treatment but was arrested in Niger for absconding from bail.
In light of these events, the NBA has mandated Mr. Ojo to retract Maina’s appointment as patron with immediate effect. They have also prohibited him from making any statements on behalf of or in support of Maina regarding any ongoing legal matters.
The NBA admonished that while it acknowledges Maina’s right to pursue his appeal against the conviction, it will refrain from commenting on such appeals in a manner that might sway public opinion in his favor.
Osigwe emphasized the importance of integrity, accountability, and respect for the legal process as fundamental principles of the NBA, indicating that any actions undermining these values will prompt strict institutional responses.
“The NBA regards this behavior as a significant breach of professional ethics and institutional discipline. Accordingly, disciplinary measures will be enacted against the Garki Branch Chairman for actions inconsistent with the NBA's Constitution and professional standards,” he concluded.
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