The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is expected to arraign former Minister of Labour and Productivity and ex-Anambra State Governor, Dr Chris Ngige, in court, possibly today, following what family members have described as a dramatic arrest at his Abuja residence.
Ngige was reportedly picked up on Wednesday by about 20 EFCC operatives from the commission’s Wuse II Zonal office, who stormed his home on Justice Mohammed Bello Road in Asokoro. According to a family source, the operation unfolded in “commando-style,” with the former governor taken away without being allowed to change out of his pyjamas.
The former minister had been on administrative bail and was said to have been in regular communication with the commission after an earlier invitation for questioning over undisclosed issues. He had also surrendered his travel documents as part of his bail conditions.
Ngige, who had planned a medical trip to the United States, reportedly lost his passport while transiting through the United Kingdom, forcing him to abandon the journey. He later secured temporary travel papers from the Nigerian High Commission in London to return to Abuja.
Sources said Ngige had prepared a letter explaining the circumstances surrounding the loss of his passport and his delayed return to the EFCC but had not yet delivered it before the raid.
Expressing shock at the manner of his arrest, Ngige insisted he had fully complied with all conditions set by the commission.
He is expected to be charged to court, where his legal team is likely to contest the circumstances of his arrest and apply for bail.
