7 EFCC officials arrested over alleged plot to smuggle Maina out of custody

About Seven operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been arrested in connection with a plot to smuggle former Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT) chairman AbdulRasheed Maina out of the anti-graft agency’s custody.

According to The Nation, the men are 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 official of the agency alleged on Monday that Zainab Abbas, who visited Maina, coordinated the failed attempt to spirit Maina out of custody.

According to the source that disclosed the information to The Nation,  the seven EFCC men were on duty when the plot was to be carried out.

The source added: “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.

“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.