News
Maina, ex-pension boss convicted for money laundering, released after 8-year jail term
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Abdulrasheed-Mainaj.jpg&description=Maina, ex-pension boss convicted for money laundering, released after 8-year jail term', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Abdulrasheed-Mainaj.jpg&description=Maina, ex-pension boss convicted for money laundering, released after 8-year jail term', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Abdulrasheed Maina, the former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), has been released from prison.
Maina was held at the Kuje correctional centre in Abuja, the country’s capital, where he was serving an eight-year jail term.
Although it is not clear when he regained his freedom, sources informed TheCable that the former PRTT boss has been out of prison for weeks.
In November 2021, a federal high court in Abuja convicted him on charges of bordering on money laundering to the tune of over N2 billion.
He was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in October 2019 — but he pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge.
In his judgment, Okon Abang, trial judge, held that Maina stole over N2 billion belonging to pensioners, “most of whom have died without reaping the fruits of their labour”.
The judge said the former PRTT chairman concealed his true identity as a signatory to accounts opened in two banks by using the identities of his family members without their knowledge.
Abang found Maina guilty on all 12 counts and sentenced him to a total of 61 years in prison.
The judge held that the sentence would run concurrently, taking effect from October 25, 2019 — the date of his arraignment.
Displeased with the judgment, Maina approached the court of appeal.
In May 2023, the court of appeal upheld the conviction and the eight-year sentence.
News
Sanwo-Olu appoints Badejo new LASU VC
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the appointment of Prof Ayodeji Badejo as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
Badejo, a professor of Guidance and Counselling, was born on August 4, 1962.
She obtained her MEd and PhD in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Lagos.
The appointment takes effect following the retirement of Prof Ibijoke Olatunji-Bello, who served as the university’s Vice-Chancellor for five years.
Olatunji-Bello was appointed LASU’s ninth substantive vice-chancellor by Sanwo-Olu in 2021.
Her appointment made her the second woman to occupy the position in the state-owned university.
During her tenure, LASU recorded increased demand from prospective students.
The PUNCH reported in 2025 that the university became the most sought-after university in Nigeria, with more than 70,000 candidates choosing it as their first choice for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Olatunji-Bello had also said her administration was working to transform LASU into one of the leading universities in West Africa by 2026.
Badejo, another woman to occupy the office, will take over the leadership of the university as it continues to expand its academic programmes and strengthen its position among Nigerian universities.
News
68 Nigerians awarded U.K. Chevening, Commonwealth scholarships
United Kingdom Government has awarded 68 Nigerians the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to study a wide range of master’s degrees and PhD programmes in the UK in 2026.
Pre-departure ceremonies were held in Abuja and Lagos on Tuesday in honour of the scholars, according to a statement released yesterday.
This year, 12 scholars received the Chevening scholarships, while 56 scholars have been awarded the Commonwealth scholarship so far.
At the pre-departure reception held in Abuja, Chargé d’Affaires, British High Commission Abuja, Ms Vicky Seymour, congratulated those who succeeded in securing scholarships through the highly competitive application and interview process.
“Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars have bright futures and we see your time in the UK as not only as an investment in you as individuals, but also in the future of Nigeria. On your return to Nigeria, I know you will go on to do great things, just as your alumni have done before you. It is therefore my hope that you too will bring these experiences back to Nigeria and use them to achieve remarkable things for your country and put your own mark on the future of this great nation,” Seymour said.
News
Many terrorists eliminated as military airstrikes hit hideout in Zamfara
Nigerian troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have carried out air operations against suspected terrorists in Yankuzo community, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, reportedly killing several fighters.
This was made known in a post on X by a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, on Tuesday.
Makama, citing local sources, said the operation took place on the evening of Sept. 7, 2026, when five military aircraft were said to have conducted a coordinated operation over the community.
According to the report, sources said the aircraft engaged suspected terrorists in the area, with several of the fighters reportedly killed, although the exact number of casualties could not immediately be established.
-
News23 hours ago49.70kg heroin: Fugitive drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, arrested after years on the run+Photos
-
News20 hours agoAlia’s Claim Under Heavy hammer as Photos Show Benue Govt Was Informed Ahead of Obi’s Visit
-
News15 hours agoAkpabio Petitions DSS Over Viral ‘Anti-North’ Statement, Demands Probe
-
News21 hours agoPolice Probe Blockade of Peter Obi’s Convoy in Benue, Vow to Unmask Organisers
-
News19 hours agoBREAKING: Heavy shake up in Nigerian Army, top officers affected
-
News22 hours agoReps Probe N432bn Oil Revenue Debt, Summon Debtors
-
News20 hours agoBenue Govt Challenges Obi To Name Aide Who Led Youths To Block His Convoy
-
News15 hours agoSad! Kano social media commentator Ibrahim Shagamu killed in his apartment
