I’m suffering from life-threatening ailment, I need urgent treatment— Maina tells court

 

Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), says he is suffering from a life-threatening disease and needs urgent medical attention.

 

On November 8, 2021, Maina was sentenced to eight years in prison after being he was found guilty of money laundering.

 

In an ex parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1729/2022, dated and filed on September 27, the convict is praying the court for an interim order directing the minister of interior and the comptroller-general of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), to immediately take him to a reputable hospital for treatment pending the hearing and determination of his originating motion.

 

Additionally, he prayed to grant him leave to effect the service of the order, the originating motion, and other subsequent processes on the respondents by substituted means.

 

Maina, in his application, adduced 10 reasons why the motion should be granted, including that his “ailment” had been left untreated, and had resulted in the deterioration of his health.

 

“Applicant is in a critical health condition that requires urgent medical attention, hence the need for prayer one on the face of this application,” the application reads.

 

“Applicant’s fundamental rights to life, the dignity of the human person and freedom from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment are seriously under challenge and continually being breached by the respondents.”

 

At the hearing of the motion on Tuesday, Ibrahim Idris, Maina’s lawyer, urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.

 

Inyang Ekwo, the presiding judge, in his ruling, granted the applicant leave for substituted service.

 

He said Maina can effect service of the order and other processes on the minister through any member of staff at the ministry of interior in Abuja, while that of the comptroller-general can be delivered to any officer of the NCoS headquarters in Abuja.

 

Also, the judge ordered the applicant to put the respondents on notice within three days of the order, and adjourned the matter until October 24 for hearing of the motion.