Maina recovered N282bn, property worth N1.6trn for FG, witness tells court


Again, a defense witness, Ngozika Ihuoma, in continuation of her testimony, Tuesday, told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that the former Chairman, Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdurasheed Maina, recovered N282 billion cash and 222 choice property valued at N1.6trillion.

Ihuoma explained that the said money was warehoused at the Central Bank of Nigeria by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

According to the witness, out of the money, N74 billion was used to finance the 2012 national budget as passed by the National Assembly.

In furtherance of his testimony, the witness said there was a presidential directive that was issued by the then President Goodluck Johnathan that 2.5 percent which amounts to N7.05 billion of the recovered money be used to run the PRTT’s official duties but was never released despite several requests and reminder to the ministry of finance and the national assembly.

She said in September 2012, some EFCC operatives allegedly invaded the privacy of the EFCC biometrics that was being handled by the PRTT led by Abdurasheed Maina and uploaded it on the internet, saying the action gave rise to the rivalry between the DSS and EFCC till date.

On Maina’s purported dismissal from service, Ihuoma said, “Maina was dismissed from service by the then Head of Service, Ibrahim Sale, without a query even he was granted leave by former President Johnathan after he was attacked by hired assassins,.

The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, has since adjourned till March 4 for continuation of trial.

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