The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on Friday arraign former Minister of Labour and Productivity and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chris Ngige, following his arrest on Wednesday.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, Ngige’s camp said the arrest is connected to an ongoing EFCC investigation for which the former minister had previously been granted administrative bail and had “fully cooperated” with investigators.
According to the statement, operatives from the EFCC’s Wuse II Zonal Office stormed Ngige’s residence on Justice Mohammed Bello Road, Asokoro, with about 20 officers who allegedly took him away “without allowing him to change out of his nightwear.”
“He was not allowed to change his clothes and was taken away still wearing his pyjamas,” Chukwuelobe said.
“Ngige had earlier been directed to return his travel documents to the EFCC. However, during a trip for medical treatment in the United States, he reportedly lost his passport while transiting through the United Kingdom. The incident forced him to abort the trip and return to Nigeria on emergency travel papers issued by the Nigerian High Commission in London.
“Upon his return to Abuja, he drafted a letter explaining the loss of the passport and his inability to submit it as required, though the letter had not yet been delivered before Wednesday’s arrest.
“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,” the statement added.
Chukwuelobe also dismissed growing speculation that the arrest was politically motivated or connected to Ngige’s recent meeting with Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing such claims as baseless and capable of heightening tensions.
He said Friday’s scheduled arraignment is expected to clarify the allegations and enable Ngige’s legal team to formally apply for bail.