Abdulrasheed Maina, former head of the now-disbanded Pension Reform Task Force, was rushed to hospital on Tuesday after collapsing while attempting to gain access to his office in Abuja.
The incident was made public in a statement released on Wednesday by his media assistant, Emmanuel Ekwe, who explained that the episode was linked to complications stemming from a knee injury that had not been treated.
Ekwe said the injury caused Maina to lose his balance, leading to a fall in which he struck his head on a staircase before receiving immediate medical assistance and being transported to a private hospital within the Federal Capital Territory.
He said, “Dr Abdulrasheed Maina, former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, slumped on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, while attempting to access his office premises.
“The incident followed complications from an untreated knee injury, which caused him to lose balance and fall, resulting in his head hitting the staircase.
“Medical personnel present promptly administered first aid, after which they rushed him to a private hospital in Abuja for urgent medical attention.”
Providing an update on his condition, Ekwe disclosed that Maina remains under intensive medical observation, with doctors closely monitoring his health as his family has called for privacy.
“Dr Maina is currently receiving intensive medical care and remains under observation. Following a preliminary medical assessment, one of the attending doctors advised that arrangements for an air ambulance medical evacuation be considered should his condition fail to stabilise within a short period.
“His family and medical team continue to monitor his progress closely.
“The family appeals to the public for prayers, understanding, and respect for their privacy at this critical time. Further updates will be communicated as developments unfold,” the statement added.
Maina was only recently freed from the Kuje Correctional Centre after completing a prison sentence handed down following his conviction in a high-profile pension fraud case.
In November 2021, the Federal High Court in Abuja found him guilty of offences related to money laundering involving sums exceeding N2 billion.
He had been brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in October 2019, where he denied the 12-count charge filed against him.
Delivering judgment, trial judge Okon Abang ruled that Maina misappropriated over N2 billion belonging to pensioners, “most of whom have died without reaping the fruits of their labour”.
The conviction and eight-year jail term were later affirmed by the Court of Appeal in May 2023.
What you should know
Abdulrasheed Maina is a former senior government official whose name became synonymous with one of Nigeria’s most controversial pension fraud cases.
Convicted in 2021 and sentenced to eight years in prison, his case highlighted systemic corruption within pension administration and the suffering of retired workers.
His recent hospitalisation comes shortly after his release from custody, drawing renewed public attention to his legal history and personal circumstances following years of litigation and incarceration.
