Fresh drama has surrounded Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), after he reportedly slumped outside his office and was rushed to hospital.
According to his media assistant, Emmanuel Nweke, Maina collapsed on Tuesday while trying to access his office, losing his balance, hitting his head on the staircase and passing out.
In a statement, Nweke blamed the incident on complications arising from an untreated knee injury the former pension boss has been battling.
“The incident occurred following complications arising from an untreated knee injury, which caused him to lose balance and fall, resulting in his head hitting the staircase,” the statement reads.
“Medical personnel present promptly administered first aid, after which he was rushed to a private hospital in Abuja for urgent medical attention.
“Dr. Maina is currently receiving close medical care and remains under observation.
“Following preliminary medical assessment, one of the attending doctors advised that arrangements be considered for an air ambulance medical evacuation should his condition not stabilise within a short period.
“His family and medical team are closely monitoring his progress. The family appeals to the public for prayers, understanding, and respect for privacy at this critical time.”
Maina’s collapse comes shortly after his release from Kuje Correctional Centre, where he served time following his conviction for pension fraud.
In November 2021, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on charges bordering on money laundering involving over N2 billion. He was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in October 2019 on a 12-count charge, which he denied.
In his judgment, trial judge Okon Abang held that Maina stole over N2 billion belonging to pensioners, “most of whom have died without reaping the fruits of their labour”.
The conviction and eight-year jail sentence were upheld by the Court of Appeal in May 2023.
During his trial, Maina was at one point wheeled into the courtroom by two prison wardens, forcing the court to order the deputy comptroller of the correctional service to personally examine his health status.
The former pension reform boss had also slumped in the courtroom in December 2020, adding to the long trail of courtroom and medical drama surrounding his case.
