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Seven EFCC operatives arrested over alleged plot to ferry Maina out of custody
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested seven of its operatives over an alleged plot to ferry the detained former Chairman of Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina from custody.
The operatives are said to be undergoing investigation along with a woman, Zainab Abbas, to determine their involvement in the plot.
Maina is being detained by the anti-graft agency which is probing him for alleged N2.1 billion fraud.
An EFCC source, according to a report by The Nation, said on Monday that Zainab Abbas, who visited Maina, coordinated the attempt to ferry Maina out of custody, adding that the seven EFCC men were on duty when the plot was to be carried out.
The report qouted the 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.
“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.
Read also: Court grants EFCC application, orders forfeiture of Saraki’s houses
“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 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.
“There is also ongoing interrogation. We believe the plot might also be a ploy by the woman to get money from Maina.”
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