Former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina, has denied ever being a signatory to any pension account in Nigeria, insisting that all banking records linked to the pension reform exercise do not bear his name.
Maina made the clarification on Wednesday while speaking publicly for the first time in years during the presentation of the Rule of Law and Courage Award to him by the Garki Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
According to him, allegations that he operated or controlled pension accounts were false, misleading, and unsupported by verifiable records.
He said all relevant documents, including bank statements and petitions, had long been submitted to appropriate authorities for scrutiny.
“I was never a signatory to any pension account. The records are there. I have submitted everything, and I welcome an independent review at any time,” Maina said.
The former pension task force chairman alleged that his legal troubles were the outcome of sustained persecution and intimidation, rather than a genuine quest for justice. He claimed that despite cooperating with government agencies, he became a target after refusing to compromise certain principles.
Maina further alleged that in 2017, he was invited to Abu Dhabi by senior Nigerian government officials, including the then Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to assist in recovering stolen public funds. He said a restrictive agreement was signed to that effect.
According to him, the agreement enabled him to help Nigeria recover $1.3 trillion and secure additional assets valued at $88 billion. He claimed the agreement entitled him to a five percent whistleblower fee amounting to $65 billion, an entitlement he said later became a source of pressure and conflict.
“They wanted me to share the money. I refused, and from that moment, my problems began, not just for me, but for my family,” he said.
Maina also raised concerns over what he described as unresolved questions surrounding 227 recovered properties allegedly placed under government custody.
“Where are those properties today? Who is managing them? What has Nigeria gained from them?” he asked.
He alleged that instead of receiving answers, he faced threats and intimidation, adding that his son was accused of offences dating back to when the child was 11 years old.
“How does a system label an 11 year old a criminal, not because of what he did, but because of who his father is?” Maina asked.
He further claimed that in 2019, when his son was 19, the vehicle he was driving came under attack and was riddled with bullets, yet he survived.
Maina alleged that his son was later detained and brutalised by security operatives, describing it as an attempt to punish him through his family.
Maina also alleged that he and his son were denied fair hearing during their trial, claiming they were not allowed to present a defence or make closing arguments.
“I am not asking for pity. I am asking for accountability and basic human decency,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Garki Branch of the NBA, Anthony Bamidele Ojo, said the award was in recognition of Maina’s dedication to public service, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Ojo said Maina was honoured for his commitment to the rule of law, due process, and justice institutions, noting that he endured significant challenges while carrying out pension reforms.
“We are recognising his efforts in pension reforms and his continued contributions to national development,” the NBA chairman said.
