The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is expected to arraign former Minister of Labour and Productivity and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Dr Chris Ngige, in court following his arrest in Abuja.
Ngige was taken into custody on Tuesday during what family sources described as a “commando-style raid” on his Asokoro residence.
They said about 20 operatives from the EFCC’s Wuse II Zonal Office reportedly arrived at the home early in the morning and whisked him away while he was still in his pyjamas.
Arrest Despite Administrative Bail
The former minister had been on administrative bail from the EFCC and had reportedly maintained communication with the agency.
He was earlier asked to surrender his travel documents.
However, Ngige travelled for medical reasons. According to relatives, he lost his passport while in transit through the United Kingdom on his way to the United States.
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The development forced him to abort the trip and return to Nigeria using emergency travel papers issued by the Nigerian High Commission in London.
Upon his return to Abuja, Ngige was said to have drafted a letter to the EFCC explaining the loss of his passport and his inability to return the document as required.
The letter had not yet been submitted before the operatives stormed his residence.
Family: ‘He Did Not Violate Bail Conditions’
Family sources said Ngige expressed shock at the arrest, insisting he had not breached any of the conditions attached to his administrative bail and had cooperated fully with investigators.
He was a two-time minister in the Buhari administration and has faced questioning over undisclosed issues being probed by the EFCC.
Sources said the EFCC plans to charge him in court.
His legal team is expected to present arguments before the judge, after which the court may consider his bail application.
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.
