Faisal Abdulrasheed Maina had been on the run since 2020 after allegedly violating his bail conditions before being convicted in absentia and sentenced to 14 years in prison.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Faisal Abdulrasheed Maina, the fugitive son of former Pension Reform Task Team chairman Abdulrasheed Maina, and handed him over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that Faisal was apprehended by DSS operatives in the Karsana area of Abuja following intelligence indicating that he had secretly returned to Nigeria.
“His arrest followed credible intelligence which indicated that Faisal had secretly returned to the country,” a source said.
Faisal had been on the run since 2020 after facing prosecution by the EFCC over allegations of money laundering and conspiracy.
He was charged with three counts relating to the offences but reportedly violated his bail conditions and fled the country.
His trial continued in his absence, culminating in his conviction and sentencing to 14 years’ imprisonment by Justice Okon Abang in 2021.
The court subsequently 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 ruled that, should he be found outside the country, the Federal Government should take lawful steps to secure his extradition to Nigeria to serve his prison term.
Faisal’s arrest and transfer to the EFCC are expected to pave the way for 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,” a source said.
The development marks a significant step towards enforcing the sentence imposed on Faisal, who had remained at large for several years.
