The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, ordered that former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Force Team, Abulrasheed Maina, be remanded in prison until the end of his trial.
Justice Okon Abang delivered the verdict, following the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) application made by prosecution counsel, Mohammed Abubakar.
The EFCC is prosecuting Maina over allegations of ₦2bn money laundering.
Maina had jumped bail and fled to the Republic of Niger, but was produced in court on Friday, following his extradition to Nigeria yesterday.
Ruling on the EFCC’s application for a remand order, Justice Abang said, ‘The defendant is already on bench warrant having jumped bail.’
‘So he shall be remanded in correctional centre pending the conclusion of the trial.’
Adaji Abel, a lawyer who newly took over Maina’s defence, appealed for an adjournment of the case to enable him to prepare adequately for the case.
The judge acceded to the request and adjourned until December 8.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK