By Muhammad Mamman
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly preparing to arraign former Anambra State governor and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, following his dramatic detention in the early hours of Tuesday, local sources say.
According to a statement posted on social media by Fred Chukwuelobe, Ngige’s former media aide, agents from the EFCC’s Wuse II Zonal Office conducted a “commando-style raid” on the ex-minister’s residence in the Asokoro district of Abuja, sweeping him into custody without allowing him even to change out of his pyjamas.
Chukwuelobe’s account suggests that the anti-graft agency could formally charge Ngige in court as early as today, with the Federal High Court expected to hear arguments from his legal team and consider bail applications. The aide further maintained that Ngige had cooperated with ongoing investigations, observing all conditions of his administrative bail prior to the incident.
The former governor had reportedly been overseas on medical leave, which was cut short after he lost his passport in the United Kingdom. Upon his return to Nigeria, he informed the EFCC of the situation and was awaiting formal submission of a letter explaining the circumstances when operatives arrived at his home.
Contrary to earlier unfounded reports circulating on social media that Ngige had been kidnapped, his aide confirmed that the ex-governor is indeed in the custody of the EFCC. No official comment has yet been issued by the anti-graft agency.
Ngige’s high-profile encounter with the EFCC adds to a series of prominent investigations into senior political figures in Nigeria, underscoring the commission’s renewed vigour in pursuing alleged economic crimes. Observers say the outcome of the planned court proceedings will be closely watched by both political and legal analysts.
