Fresh controversy has trailed the detention of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues its sweeping probe of key officials who served under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Initial reports on Wednesday suggested that Ngige had been abducted, sparking public panic.
However, his former aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, later clarified that the former Anambra State governor was in EFCC custody.
The Commission has neither confirmed nor denied his detention, and its spokesperson, Dele Oyewole, has yet to comment.
Ngige’s case adds to a growing list of former ministers and high-ranking officials currently under EFCC investigation over allegations ranging from financial misconduct to abuse of office.
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Below is the list of the public officials who served under Late Ex- President Buhari that are targeted by the EFCC and their offences.
Dr Chris Ngige: Former Minister of Labour and Employment
The former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, is being tried By the EFCC on an eight-count charge that alleges that he used his position to confer undue advantages by awarding over N2 billion in contracts within the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to companies linked to himself and his associates.
Ngige is scheduled for arraignment at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, on Friday, December 12, 2025.
He was previously granted bail before travelling to the UK for medical reasons, but his passport was lost while in transit.
Timipre Sylva: Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources
A former governor of Bayelsa State and one of the most influential figures in Buhari’s cabinet, Timipre Sylva supervised the daily operations of Nigeria’s petroleum sector, its primary revenue source.
On November 10, 2025, the EFCC declared Sylva wanted over alleged corruption involving more than $14 million (₦21 billion).
A Lagos High Court had earlier issued a warrant for his arrest on November 6, prompting the anti-graft agency to urge anyone with “useful information” to report immediately.
Sylva was out of the country at the time. His spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, insisted the EFCC never invited the former minister and dismissed claims that he ignored any summons.
He affirmed that Sylva would “honour any lawful invitation” once he concluded medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
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This is not the first controversy he has faced. Earlier in the year, Sylva denied allegations linking him to a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.
Security agents had raided his residences in Bayelsa and Abuja during that episode.
On December 8, 2025, the EFCC marked Sylva’s Abuja home with red paint, inscribing “EFCC, KEEP OFF”, a sign of property sealing.
Abubakar Malami: Former Attorney-General of the Federation
Abubakar Malami, Buhari’s long-serving Minister of Justice, is under investigation over alleged irregularities involving the $346.2 million Abacha loot repatriated from Switzerland.
Although the EFCC has not made a formal public statement, Malami himself disclosed that he was invited to answer questions about the legal processes used in recovering the funds and the engagement of several law firms, which were allegedly paid large sums despite work already completed by the previous administration.
The EFCC reportedly accuses him of abuse of office and money laundering, allegations he strongly denies.
Malami has also refuted rumours of terrorism financing, calling the claims baseless and stating that he has never been investigated or interrogated for such offences anywhere in the world.
On Tuesday, he was detained after appearing before the EFCC.
According to reports, he was granted bail but has yet to meet the conditions, leading to his continued stay in custody.
Hadi Sirika: Former Minister of Aviation
Hadi Sirika, the face behind the controversial Nigeria Air project, is currently on trial over alleged corruption linked to the defunct national carrier.
During a briefing, current Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo described the Nigeria Air unveiling as fraudulent, stating:
“It was never Air Nigeria. They only painted a plane in Nigeria Air colours. It was Ethiopian Airlines they planned to use to fly our flag.”
The EFCC alleges that Sirika used his office to award consultancy roles and contracts to his daughter, Fatima, and her husband, Jalal Hamma.
The contracts included airport construction works and advisory services for the airline’s launch.
Sirika has been granted ₦100 million bail, and the case is ongoing.
Godwin Emefiele: Former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria
Although not a minister, Godwin Emefiele was one of the most powerful officials in the Buhari administration.
Since his suspension in 2023, he has faced multiple charges ranging from illegal possession of firearms to money laundering and alleged abuse of office relating to foreign exchange allocation and financial regulations.
His cases are ongoing in various courts in Lagos and Abuja.
The EFCC has filed multiple charges against Godwin Emefiele related to his tenure as CBN Governor:
Lagos Court: Emefiele and Henry Omoile face 19 and 3 counts, respectively, for alleged gratification and unlawful acceptance of gifts totalling $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
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Abuja Court (Naira Swap): Emefiele faces four counts related to the alleged unlawful approval of the withdrawal of N124.8 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund during the naira redesign policy.
Abuja Court (Property): An eight-count charge is related to the alleged illegal acquisition of a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja and laundering billions of naira.
Abuja Court (Procurement): An amended 20-count charge concerns alleged N1.2 billion procurement fraud, specifically regarding the illegal award
Saleh Mamman: Former Minister of Power.
Saleh Mamman is being tried By the EFCC for fraud.
He is expected to defend himself after his application for a no-case submission was dismissed.
Mamman, appointed in August 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari and removed in September 2021, is standing trial on a 12-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
He was arraigned in July 2024 for allegedly conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to divert N33.8 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. He pleaded not guilty.
Wider Implications of the EFCC Crackdown
The EFCC’s investigation of past government officials is becoming a tradition in Nigerian political circles; it’s like a time bomb waiting for the perfect time to explode.
While the investigation signals a sweeping attempt by the Tinubu administration to scrutinise financial decisions and fight against corruption, opposition politicians, including the former vice president Atiku Abubakar, have consistently accused the government of using the EFCC as a tool to crack down on opposition politicians.
Just like in the case of Malami, who, after declaring his Governorship bid was immediately summoned by the EFCC.
As more former officials come under investigation, concerns continue to grow about selective prosecution, political motives, and the need for transparent justice.
Observers argue that the outcomes of these cases will significantly influence public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
