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, on Friday, following his arrest in what relatives described as a forceful early-morning operation at his Abuja home on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by his media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, Ngige’s camp linked the arrest to an ongoing EFCC investigation for which he had been previously granted administrative bail, noting that he had consistently complied with all directives from the anti-graft agency.
The statement alleged that operatives from the EFCC’s Wuse II Zonal Office arrived at the residence on Justice Mohammed Bello Road in Asokoro with roughly 20 officers who allegedly took the former minister away without permitting him to change out of his sleepwear.
“He was not allowed to change his clothes and was taken away still wearing his pyjamas,” Mr Chukwulobe claimed.
Ngige had earlier been instructed to return his travel documents to the EFCC. However, during a trip for medical treatment in the United States, he reportedly misplaced his passport during a layover in the United Kingdom, forcing him to abort the journey and return to Nigeria on emergency travel papers issued by the Nigerian High Commission in London.
Upon getting back to Abuja, Ngige drafted a letter explaining the circumstances behind the missing passport and his inability to submit it, but the document had not been delivered before Wednesday’s arrest.
The statement added that “Dr. Ngige expressed surprise at his arrest when he had not violated the terms of his administrative bail and had cooperated with the agency in its statutory duties.”
Chukwuelobe also dismissed growing theories suggesting that the arrest was connected to Ngige’s recent meeting with Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, warning that such speculation was baseless and capable of stirring unnecessary political or ethnic tension. He emphasized that assigning motives to routine law enforcement only heightens anxiety.
According to him, the arraignment slated for Friday should clarify the allegations behind the arrest and grant Ngige’s legal representatives the opportunity to apply for bail. As of the time of reporting, the EFCC had not issued a formal response despite repeated attempts to obtain clarity. Further details are expected to emerge after the court session.
What You Should Know
Dr Chris Ngige’s arrest has sparked public interest, particularly because it occurred before dawn and involved EFCC operatives allegedly taking him away in his nightwear.
His media team maintains that he has complied fully with all EFCC directives and that his only lapse—the missing passport—was due to circumstances beyond his control. They also reject claims linking the arrest to his recent meeting with Peter Obi.
With the EFCC remaining silent on its reasons for the arrest, clarity is expected during Friday’s arraignment, where the allegations will be outlined and his lawyers will move to secure his release on bail.
