The defence team representing former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina, has asked the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to decline jurisdiction in Charge No. FCT/HC/CR/24/2019, arguing that the matter constitutes an abuse of court process.

In a Notice of Preliminary Objection filed before the court, counsel to the 1st Defendant urged the court to quash the charge, contending that the issues raised arise from the same operational period and transactions for which the defendant had previously been tried before the Federal High Court.

According to the defence, proceeding with the current charge would amount to multiple prosecutions based on the same factual foundation.

Counsel submitted that the objection raises a fundamental issue regarding the competence of the charge and should be determined before any further steps are taken in the trial.

The application seeks an order quashing the charge for want of jurisdiction, maintaining that continuing the proceedings would subject the defendant to double jeopardy.

Responding to recent media reports alleging that the defendant was evading court appearances, defence counsel stated that there was no refusal to attend proceedings and informed the court that the defendant is currently hospitalised, with medical documentation said to have been presented.

The court adjourned the matter to 26 February 2026 for continuation of proceedings.