Justice Okon Abang convicted and sentenced Maina to 61 years in prison for money laundering in 2021.
Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, the convicted former head of the dissolved Pension Reform Task Team, has filed a case for N1 billion against the Nigerian government alleging violations of basic rights.
On Wednesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo concluded that there was no verifiable evidence to support the claim that Maina had any condition that poses a danger to his life.
Recall how Maina was found guilty of money laundering in 2021 and given a 61-year jail term by Justice Okon Abang.
But the sentence will be served concurrently.
In order to get medical treatment at the hospital of his choosing, Maina alleged in court that the Nigerian government had forbade him from doing so.
He argued that he had a condition that was life-threatening and required immediate medical treatment.
Rauf Aregbesola, the interior minister, and the controller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service were listed as the first and second respondents in the lawsuit with the file number FHC/ABJ/CS/1729/2022.
In addition, he asked the court to grant a permanent injunction to teach the two Respondents not to obstruct his ability to get medical care from the respected hospital of his choice.
He insisted that it was against his legal rights to refuse him access to medical treatment.
But in a ruling issued on Wednesday by Justice Inyang Ekwo, the court rejected Maina’s petition as being without substance.
The court said that while inmates have the right to medical treatment, they are not allowed to choose which hospital they go to.
He observed that by transporting Maina to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital more than 20 times, the correctional service (jail) staff members acted appropriately.
“Taking a prisoner to a hospital for 23 times demonstrates care and attention on the part of the custodial authorities,” Justice Ekwo held.
“This application is a ruse and an attempt to belittle the essence of criminal conviction.
“I find that the application lacks merit and I make an order dismissing it,” the judge added.
