Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), at Kuje correctional centre until the end of his trial.
“The defendant is already on bench warrant, his bail having been revoked,” Okon Abang, the judge said.
“So, he shall be remanded in correctional service pending completion of trial.”
Maina, who is on trial for alleged money laundering to the tune of N2 billion, stopped attending proceedings in September setting Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, who stood as his surety against the law.
Okon Abang, the judge, had issued a warrant of arrest against him.
On Monday, Maina was arrested in Niger Republic where he had taken refuge, and was extradited to Nigeria on Thursday.
In a blue kaftan and a traditional cap, Maina was brought before the court to face his trial on Friday.
At the resumed trial on Friday, the counsel representing Maina, Adaji Abel formally withdrew and the counsel engaged by Mr Maina asked for a short adjournment to enable him to study the facts of the case.
Justice Abang granted the application for adjournment on the ground that the defendant who is presumed innocent is entitled to legal representation.
He subsequently adjourned the case to the 8th of December for a continuation of trial.
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