Former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Dr Abdulrasheed Maina, has responded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) declaration of him as a wanted man, calling for details of the allegation contained in the commission’s public notice.
Maina’s position was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by his Senior Media and Legal Assistant, Emmanuel Umahi Ekwe, Esq., following the EFCC’s publication declaring him wanted over what the commission described as an “alleged case of receiving stolen properties”.
The statement described the EFCC publication as a mere allegation pending the disclosure of the particulars and circumstances upon which it is founded.
The legal assistant noted that the published notice did not disclose the nature or description of the alleged stolen property, the alleged transaction, the person or persons from whom the property was allegedly received, the date or circumstances of the alleged offence, or the specific legal basis upon which the declaration was made.
The statement reads in part: “It would therefore be premature for us to speculate on facts that have not been made available to us.”
The statement further noted that Maina has been involved in several legal proceedings over the years, some of which have been determined, while others remain subject to the judicial process.
While cautioning against conflating the latest EFCC notice with previous proceedings or judicial determinations, Maina, in the statement, insisted that each matter should be considered on its own facts and legal foundation.
“We are presently taking steps to obtain and examine the relevant information concerning this latest development and to advise appropriately on the legal position,” the statement added.
Maina’s legal team also urged the media and members of the public to exercise restraint while the matter proceeds through due process.
An allegation contained in a law-enforcement publication, according to the statement, should not, by itself, be treated as a final determination of criminal liability.
The statement added that further clarification would be provided where appropriate after the necessary information had been obtained and instructions received.
