Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have taken former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, into custody in Abuja.
The development emerged late Wednesday, creating fresh discussions around the former Anambra governor’s recent activities and public engagements.
According to information confirmed by close associates, EFCC officials arrived at Ngige’s Abuja residence on Wednesday evening and escorted him away for questioning.
Details surrounding the arrest remain sketchy, but sources familiar with the situation disclosed that the commission is probing issues linked to his time in public office.
Officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the reason for his detention.
The incident comes barely weeks after a disturbing attack on Ngige’s convoy in Anambra State.
That attack left two people injured, including a police orderly, while a passer-by lost his life. Ngige, however, was not in the convoy when the ambush occurred, raising questions about the motive behind the assault.
Security agencies in the state later said investigations were ongoing to track those responsible.
Earlier today, confusion spread across social media with claims that Ngige had been abducted from his home.
Those rumours prompted anxiety among supporters and residents familiar with his political history.
But the speculation was later addressed by Fred Chukwuelobe, Ngige’s former media aide during his tenure as governor.
In his words, “Ngige is with the EFCC. Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, is with the EFCC.”
His short clarification helped dispel the abduction rumours and confirmed that the arrest was an operational move by the commission.
As of the time of this report, the EFCC has not provided additional information regarding the nature of the investigation or how long the former minister will remain in custody.
More details are expected as the EFCC concludes its preliminary interrogations.
