Emmanuel Nweke, media assistant to Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), says his principal slumped on Tuesday just outside his office.

In a statement, Nweke said Maina lost his balance while accessing the office, hitting his head on the staircase before passing out.

The aide attributed the incident to an “untreated knee injury” the ex-pension reform boss has been grappling with.

“The incident occurred following complications arising from an untreated knee injury, which caused him to lose balance and fall, resulting in his head hitting the staircase,” the statement reads.

“Medical personnel present promptly administered first aid, after which he was rushed to a private hospital in Abuja for urgent medical attention.

“Dr. Maina is currently receiving close medical care and remains under observation.

“Following preliminary medical assessment, one of the attending doctors advised that arrangements be considered for an air ambulance medical evacuation should his condition not stabilise within a short period.

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“His family and medical team are closely monitoring his progress. The family appeals to the public for prayers, understanding, and respect for privacy at this critical time.”

Maina was recently released from the Kuje prison where he served jail time following conviction for pension fraud.

In November 2021, a federal high court in Abuja convicted him on charges 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”.

In May 2023, the court of appeal upheld the conviction and the eight-year sentence.

At some point during his trial at the lower court, he was wheeled into the court by two prison wardens.

The court had earlier ordered the deputy comptroller of the correctional service to personally examine Maina to determine the true state of his health.

In December 2020, the former pension boss slumped in the courtroom.