The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is expected to arraign immediate past Minister of Labour and Productivity and former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chris Ngige, in court today following his dramatic arrest in Abuja.
Late yesterday, about 20 operatives from the EFCC’s zonal office in Wuse II reportedly stormed Dr. Ngige’s residence along Justice Mohammed Bello Road, Asokoro, in what a family source described as a “commando‑style raid.” According to the source, the seasoned politician was taken into custody without being allowed to change out of his pyjamas.
Dr. Ngige had been on administrative bail with the anti‑graft agency after voluntarily submitting himself for questioning over undisclosed matters. Throughout the process, he maintained regular communication with the EFCC and was said to be cooperating fully.
Prior to yesterday’s arrest, Dr. Ngige was directed by the agency to return his travel documents. He subsequently embarked on a medical trip to the United States. However, while transiting through the United Kingdom, he lost his passport, forcing him to cancel the trip and return to Nigeria.
With the assistance of the Nigerian High Commission in the UK, the former minister obtained temporary travel documents and returned to Abuja.
Upon his return, Dr. Ngige is said to have drafted a letter explaining the loss of his passport and intending to notify the EFCC that he could not submit the original documents. He had not yet submitted the letter when officers arrived at his home and took him into custody.
Sources close to Dr. Ngige say he expressed shock at the arrest, stressing that he believed he had fully adhered to the conditions of his administrative bail and was not in violation of any terms.
Legal representatives for the former governor are expected to appear in court today, where they will argue for bail once charges are formally read.
More details to follow as the story develops.
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