Many Nigerians are shocked at seeing a viral photograph showing the VIP status that prison officials on Monday accorded Abdurasheed Maina, who was convicted of stealing N2.1bn pension money.
Apart from the fact that he was not conveyed to prison by the usual Black Maria, a prison oficial is seen in the photo humbly opening the door for him to enter the green-colour air-conditioned Hilux vehicle belonging to the Correctional Service.
The former chairman of the now-defunct Pension Reforms Task Team was sentenced by a Federal High Court in Abuja, to a total of 61 years’ imprisonment for defrauding the Federal Government and some pensioners of N2.1bn.
Justice Okon Abang on Monday said Maina was guilty of all the 12 counts filed on October 26, 2019, against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Maina was subsequently convicted to a total of 61 years in jail to run concurrently for eight years with effect from October 26, 2019.
Since the sentences are to run concurrently, Maina would spend only eight years in jail from October 26, 2019, which means he has only six years left.
Although the court also ordered the forfeiture of Maina’s three landed properties in Abuja and his bullet proof jeeps and cars, observers are also piqued that it is only eight years that the man who stole so much would spend in jail.
Many Nigerians also fear that, based on the treatment openly accorded him on Monday, Maina would enjoy executive stay in prison.
