Ex-pension boss Abdulrasheed Maina collapses, rushed to Abuja Hospital

Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the now-defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), slumped on Tuesday just outside his office, according to a statement from his media aide, Emmanuel Nweke.

Nweke said Maina lost his balance while accessing his office, hitting his head on the staircase before losing consciousness. The aide attributed the incident to complications from an “untreated knee injury” that Maina 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 read. “Medical personnel present promptly administered first aid, after which he was rushed to a private hospital in Abuja for urgent medical attention.”

Nweke added that Maina is under close medical 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 had recently been released from Kuje Prison, where he served an eight-year sentence for a N2 billion pension fraud. In November 2021, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on charges of money laundering after he pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in October 2019.

During his trial, Judge Okon Abang ruled that Maina misappropriated funds belonging to pensioners, “most of whom have died without reaping the fruits of their labour.” The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction in May 2023.

Maina’s health has previously caused disruptions during court proceedings. In December 2020, he collapsed in court, prompting the authorities to order a personal health assessment by the deputy comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service. On several occasions during his trial, he was brought to court in a wheelchair by prison wardens.

The ex-pension boss is now under urgent care, with his family appealing for privacy and prayers as medical teams continue to monitor his condition.