The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is preparing to charge Dr. Chris Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, in court, his media aide said on Thursday. Dr. Ngige was arrested by EFCC operatives on Wednesday at his residence on Justice Mohammed Bello Road in the Asokoro district of Abuja, according to the aide, Fred Chukwuelobe.
Mr. Chukwuelobe said in a social media post that the anti-graft agency may take Dr. Ngige to court as early as Thursday, although no formal charge document has been published yet. He did not disclose the specific allegations that the EFCC intends to bring against the former minister.
The arrest took place at Dr. Ngige’s home, where operatives reportedly arrived in significant numbers and took him into custody. The media aide described the operation as sudden and said Dr. Ngige was still in his pyjamas when he was taken by the EFCC.
There had been confusion earlier in the week after unverified reports circulated that Dr. Ngige had been kidnapped. Mr. Chukwuelobe moved quickly to correct those claims, stating clearly that the former governor was not abducted but was in the custody of the EFCC. He said the clarification was necessary because many friends, journalists and associates had called asking about the veracity of the rumours.
Details of the case against Dr. Ngige have not been made public, and the EFCC has not issued an official statement explaining its reasons for the arrest or the charges it plans to file. The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, did not immediately respond to requests for comment when contacted by reporters.
Dr. Ngige’s arrest comes amid broader anti-corruption efforts by Nigerian authorities targeting public officials and former officeholders. Media reports from other outlets suggest that the EFCC is investigating alleged fraudulent transactions involving a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment while Dr. Ngige was minister, with the alleged sums running into billions of naira, though this has not been confirmed by the EFCC.
Supporters of Dr. Ngige have not issued a public statement about the arrest or the impending charges. As of Thursday, he remained in EFCC custody as preparations were underway to take him before a court of law.
The outcome of the EFCC’s action is still unfolding, and further information is expected once charges are formally filed.
