Nigerian Police Force Prepares to Extradite Maina from Niger Republic

The Nigeria Police says the fugitive former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT); Abdulrashid Maina would be extradited to Nigeria soon.

This was disclosed by spokesman of the Nigeria Police, DCP Frank Mba, in a statement on Tuesday.

Specifically, the Police disclosed that it had commenced the process of extraditing the former Pensions reforms chief; noting that he would soon be brought back to Nigeria to continue with his ongoing trial.

The InfoStride had earlier reported that Maina was arrested in Niger Republic on Monday. His arrest was executed through a joint effort by INTERPOL, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Central Bureau, Abuja; as well as their counterparts in Niger.

Maina is currently in a detention facility in Niger Republic awaiting the completion of the extradition processes.

In the light of his arrest, the Police has also declared that there is no hiding place for any suspect.

Mba said: “Following the arrest of former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrashid Abdullahi Maina in Niamey; Niger Republic, the Nigeria Police Force is perfecting extradition processes of the fugitive to Nigeria to enable him face trial in pending criminal proceedings against him.

“Maina, who was declared wanted by a court of competent jurisdiction, was arrested on 30th November 2020 through the collaborative efforts of the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, INTERPOL NCB, Abuja and their Nigerien counterparts. There shall be no hiding place for any suspect, no matter how highly placed.”

Maina faces a 12-count charge of money laundering up to N2billion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, the suspect had fled, jumping bail, leading to the arrest of his surety, Senator Ali Ndume.

The senator has however been released on bail.