A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled for the final forfeiture of at least 20 properties linked to Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT). The properties, spread across various states in Nigeria, were adjudged to be acquired with illicit funds from a N2 billion pension fraud according to Vanguard News.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, presiding over the case, affirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had convincingly demonstrated that Maina obtained the properties through criminal activities. In her judgment, she highlighted that the respondents, including Maina's wife, Laila, and several of his associates, failed to provide credible evidence of legitimate ownership.
"The EFCC has discharged its burden of proof by showing that the properties were acquired with proceeds of crime," Justice Abdulmalik stated. She noted that despite being given opportunities to contest the interim forfeiture, Maina and others could not substantiate their claims with reliable documentation.
The properties ordered for forfeiture include significant real estate assets in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Nasarawa. Notable among these are a duplex at No. 16 Katuru Road, Kaduna; a three-bedroom bungalow at FHA Estate, Kubwa, Abuja; and a farm in Karshi Development Area, Nasarawa State. Each property was linked to Maina and his associates, including those held under dubious claims of ownership by his relatives.
Justice Abdulmalik pointed out that civil forfeiture cases are based on the preponderance of evidence. She criticized the claimants for failing to trace the lawful origins of their finances leading to the acquisition of these properties.