Seven operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to smuggle former Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT) chairman AbdulRasheed Maina out of the Commission’s custody.
The suspects are undergoing investigation along with one Zainab Abbas, to determine their involvement in the alleged plot.
Recall that Maina is being probed by the by the anti-graft agency for alleged N2.1 billion fraud.
An official of the agency on Monday told the Nation that Zainab Abbas, who visited Maina, coordinated the failed attempt to smuggle him out of custody.
The source said the arrested operatives of the EFCC were on duty when the plot was to have been carried out.
The Nation further quoted the unnamed source as saying: “Intelligence was received about the plot on October 17.
“That night, one Zainab Abbas was smuggled into the visitors’ area to meet with Maina. She was with her telephone.
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“She was alleged to be making efforts to procure some purported military personnel to execute the plan to get Maina out in a commando style.
“It could not be immediately ascertained if Maina was in the picture of what was being planned or if Zainab was contracted by members of pension syndicate to set Maina free.
“Operatives on duty that night were arrested, questioned and detained. They are being investigated for suspected complicity
“But contrary to the rules, Zainab was allowed to use her phone during an audience with Maina.”
The source added: “The Acting Chairman of EFCC has ordered additional security measures around Maina in the facility where he is.
“All his visitors will henceforth be subjected to EFCC’s guidelines.”
Source: The Nation
