By David Lawani, Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Faisal Abdulrasheed Maina, son of former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, after about six years on the run following his violation of bail conditions.
Faisal was arrested by DSS operatives in the Karsana area of Abuja after intelligence indicated that he had secretly returned to Nigeria. He was subsequently handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for enforcement of his 14-year prison sentence.
A security source confirmed that the arrest followed credible intelligence on Faisal’s return to the country.
“His arrest followed credible intelligence which indicated that Faisal had secretly returned to the country,” the source said.
Faisal was prosecuted by the EFCC on a three-count charge bordering on money laundering and conspiracy. He reportedly fled the country in 2020 after violating the conditions of his bail.
Despite his absence, the trial continued, culminating in his conviction and sentencing to 14 years’ imprisonment by Justice Okon Abang in 2021.
The court had ordered his arrest wherever he was found within Nigeria and directed that he be remanded in a correctional facility to serve his sentence.
It also directed the Federal Government to take lawful steps to secure his extradition if he was found outside the country.
Following his arrest, the DSS transferred Faisal to the EFCC, which is expected to facilitate the enforcement of the court’s judgment.
“The handover of Faisal to the EFCC is expected to facilitate the enforcement of the court’s judgment and ensure that he serves his sentence in accordance with the law,” another source said.
The arrest ends years of efforts to locate Faisal and enforce the sentence imposed on him following his conviction.
Faisal’s father, Abdulrasheed Maina, was separately convicted in a pension fraud case involving the diversion and laundering of public funds.
The DSS and EFCC had not, at the time of filing this report, disclosed details of the arrangements for Faisal’s transfer to a correctional facility.
