The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu says the fugitive ex-Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina is being shielded from arrest by some people.

He stated this on Monday in a telephone interview during the breakfast television programme, Sunrise Daily on Channels TV adding that the development was responsible for the agency’s inability to apprehend Maina.

“He has people who are protecting him which made it difficult for us to get him arrested. You can imagine that he was promoted. It is very devastating and it is beyond my understanding,” Magu said.

He disclosed that Maina has already been declared wanted by the International Police (INTERPOL) whom the EFCC is seeking their support in various countries and debunked claims that the seizure of some of Maina’s properties was reactionary.

“When I came in, the matter was already in court and I was busy pursuing other issues. You need to visit the EFCC to see the volume of work we have.

“I really don’t know what happened but I know he was properly placed on the watch list so he cannot sneak into this country without the knowledge of the law enforcement agencies.

So something is wrong somewhere and I think we need to work at that. It is just terrible and I just cannot believe it,” he added.

The EFCC boss further called on all well-meaning Nigerians and other security agencies to cooperate with the commission in tackling corruption which he said appears to be the biggest problem currently facing the nation.