According to a report by the Punch on Friday, January 23, 2026, a former pension reform official, Abdulrasheed Maina, has made explosive claims regarding a multi-trillion naira whistleblower deal with the Nigerian government. Maina asserts he played a key role in recovering stolen public funds under a formal agreement that guaranteed him a multi-billion dollar fee, which remains unpaid.
Maina detailed that in 2017, he was invited by senior officials, including then-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, to return to Nigeria and assist in asset recovery. A formal whistleblower agreement was signed, outlining the terms of his involvement and compensation.
He specified the staggering financial terms of this pact. Maina stated, “I was entitled to five per cent of the recovered $1.3tn, which is $65bn, but to this day it has not been paid.” He claims his efforts led to the recovery of that sum, plus an additional $88 billion in assets, for which he has received no commission.
Maina alleged that his demand for payment led to severe retaliation. He claims his family was threatened, his son was wrongly accused and violently attacked, and he was subjected to persecution for questioning the management of hundreds of recovered properties.
While accepting an award from the Nigerian Bar Association, Maina framed the recognition as an acknowledgment of endurance, not celebration. He called for a full audit of the recovered assets and a renewed investigation into the former Attorney General’s role.
The NBA branch stated the award honored Maina’s dedication to public service and commitment to the rule of law. Maina has submitted petitions and banking documents to support his allegations, challenging the government to provide transparency on the handling of the recovered funds and properties.
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