As the trial of a former head of Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina continues over alleged misappropriation of N2.8 billion, the people of Biu Local Government Area of Borno State have called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Mohammad to, as a matter of urgency, wade into the matter.
They claimed that Maina is critically ill and needs medical attention.
They further urged the CJN to prevail on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to change the judge to any other judge that would be fair and just in the dispensation of justice in the matter.
In a statement signed by Major Bukar Haruna Biu (rtd), and made available to newsmen in Abuja, the kinsmen said Maina is now critically ill because of the emotional torment he has been subjected to, saying it is only a healthy person that can face his trial alive.
According to the statement, a careful observation of the proceedings so far clearly revealed that the trial judge had descended into the arena of conflict because on several occasions, Justice Okon Abang has teleguided the prosecution team on how to conduct their case in the open court to the detriment of Maina’s health.
While insisting that the judge would be held responsible if Maina dies before the conclusion of the case, they lamented that the judge had made several prejudicial statements in the open court against the ex-pension boss in a manner that suggests a preconceived judgment.
