Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is expected to arraign former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, in court as early as today, following his forceful arrest at his Abuja residence on Wednesday, Angel Network News (ANN) can report.
Dr. Ngige, who also previously served as Governor of Anambra State, was reportedly removed from his home on Justice Mohammed Bello Road in Asokoro by approximately 20 EFCC operatives from the Wuse II Zonal office.
A member of the Ngige family, speaking anonymously to the press, described the operation as a “commando-style raid,” noting the former Minister was not permitted to change out of his pyjamas before being taken into custody.
The development follows an earlier period where the former Minister was on “administrative bail” concerning undisclosed matters under investigation. Ngige had been cooperating with the anti-graft agency, including returning his travel documents as requested.
However, the arrest occurred after Ngige, who had planned a medical trip to the United States, lost his passport while transiting through the United Kingdom. Sources close to his camp indicated that upon his return to Abuja, the former Minister was preparing a letter to the EFCC explaining the circumstances and his inability to immediately report back to the commission.
Dr. Ngige reportedly “expressed shock at his arrest, insisting that he had adhered to the conditions of his administrative bail and had cooperated fully with the commission.”
Sources familiar with the investigation confirmed that the EFCC plans to press charges in court, where Ngige’s legal team is anticipated to challenge the charges and petition for bail. The specifics of the charges against the former minister remain undisclosed by the commission. (End)
