The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on Friday arraign former Minister of Labour and Productivity and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Dr Chris Ngige, following his arrest during a dawn operation at his Abuja residence on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by Ngige’s media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, the former minister was picked up during what he described as a “forceful early morning raid” by operatives from the EFCC’s Wuse II Zonal Office. About 20 officers reportedly stormed Ngige’s home on Justice Mohammed Bello Road, Asokoro, and whisked him away while he was still dressed in his nightwear.
“He was not allowed to change his clothes and was taken away still wearing his pyjamas,” Chukwuelobe said.
The arrest is linked to an ongoing EFCC investigation for which Ngige had previously been granted administrative bail. Chukwuelobe noted that the former governor had complied fully with the terms of his bail, including cooperating with investigators.
As part of the bail conditions, Ngige was required to submit his travel documents. However, during a recent trip for medical treatment in the United States, the former minister reportedly lost his passport while transiting through the United Kingdom. He returned to Nigeria on emergency travel papers issued by the Nigerian High Commission in London.
Upon his return to Abuja, Ngige is said to have drafted a letter notifying the EFCC of the loss and explaining why he could not produce the passport, but the letter had not been formally submitted before Wednesday’s arrest.
“Dr Ngige expressed surprise at his arrest when he had not violated the terms of his administrative bail and had cooperated with the agency in its statutory duties,” Chukwuelobe added.
The media aide also dismissed speculation that the arrest was politically motivated or connected to Ngige’s recent meeting with Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing such claims as unfounded and capable of creating unnecessary tension.
Ngige is expected to be arraigned on Friday, where the EFCC is expected to present the specific charges and his legal team will have the opportunity to apply for bail.
