DSS arrests Maina’s fugitive son in Abuja, hands him over to EFCC

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested Faisal Abdulrasheed Maina, the fugitive son of former Pension Reform Task Team chairman Abdulrasheed Maina, and handed him over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to security sources cited by security publication Zagazola Makama, Faisal was arrested by DSS operatives in the Karsana area of Abuja after allegedly returning to Nigeria secretly.

“His arrest followed credible intelligence which indicated that Faisal had secretly returned to the country,” a security source said.

Faisal had reportedly been on the run since 2020 after facing prosecution by the EFCC on a three-count charge bordering on money laundering and conspiracy.

He was accused of violating his bail conditions and fleeing the country while his trial was ongoing.

The trial proceeded in his absence and culminated in his conviction and sentencing to 14 years’ imprisonment by Justice Okon Abang in 2021.

Following the judgment, the court ordered that Faisal be arrested wherever he was found in Nigeria and remanded in a correctional centre to serve his sentence.

The court also directed the Federal Government to take lawful steps to secure his extradition if he was located outside the country.

A second security source said the handover to the EFCC was expected to facilitate the enforcement of the court’s judgment.

“The handover of Faisal to the EFCC is expected to facilitate the enforcement of the court’s judgment and ensure that he serves his sentence in accordance with the law,” the source said.

The reported arrest could enable the anti-graft agency to take further steps to enforce the sentence, subject to the applicable legal and custodial procedures.

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