A former media aide to ex-Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, has claimed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission may charge the former minister to court following his arrest in Abuja.
According to the aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, who shared the update on Thursday, about 20 EFCC operatives from the Wuse II Zonal Office stormed Ngige’s residence in Asokoro on Tuesday. He alleged that the former minister was taken away “in commando style” without being allowed to change out of his pyjamas.
Chukwuelobe stated that Ngige had earlier been granted administrative bail after honouring an EFCC invitation, during which he was questioned over undisclosed issues. He noted that the former minister had complied fully with investigators, including returning his travel documents.
The aide also explained that Ngige recently travelled abroad for medical reasons but was forced to end the trip after misplacing his passport in the United Kingdom. He reportedly obtained temporary travel documents from the Nigerian High Commission in London before returning to Abuja.
Upon his return, Ngige drafted a letter to inform the EFCC about the missing passport and his inability to return it, but the letter was yet to be submitted before operatives arrived at his home.
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Chukwuelobe said Ngige was shocked by the sudden arrest, insisting he had not breached any bail conditions and had cooperated with the EFCC at every stage. He added that the former minister may be taken to court soon, where his lawyers will argue for his release on bail.
As of Thursday, the EFCC has not released any official statement confirming Ngige’s arrest, the raid, or any expected charges.
Ngige, who previously served as Minister of Labour under former President Muhammadu Buhari and earlier as Governor of Anambra State, now appears set to face what may become another high-profile corruption case involving a former public official.
