By Daniel Ojukwu
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 today, marking a sharp escalation in the agency’s investigation involving him. The development came less than 24 hours after EFCC operatives reportedly stormed his Abuja residence in what family members described as a forceful, unexpected operation.
According to accounts from those present, about 20 operatives from the EFCC’s Wuse II Zonal Office invaded the property in Asokoro and whisked the former minister away without allowing him to change out of his nightwear. A family source said the scene unfolded “in a commando-style manner,” leaving relatives unsettled by the speed and intensity of the arrest.
Before the incident, Ngige was said to be on administrative bail, having previously honoured the EFCC’s invitation and undergone questioning over matters the agency has yet to disclose publicly. Throughout the process, he was reported to have maintained regular contact with investigators and complied with directives to return his travel documents.
The situation, however, took a complicated turn after the former minister travelled abroad for medical reasons. While en route to the United States through the United Kingdom, Ngige reportedly misplaced his passport, forcing him to abandon the trip and return to Nigeria. With assistance from the Nigerian High Commission in London, he obtained temporary travel documents that enabled him to fly back into Abuja.
Upon his return, Ngige was said to have drafted a letter to the EFCC explaining the loss of his passport and clarifying that he no longer had any documents to surrender to the agency, as required by the conditions of his bail. The letter, however, was yet to be delivered when operatives arrived at his home.
Sources close to the former governor say he expressed shock at the arrest, insisting he had not breached the terms of his administrative bail and had cooperated fully with investigators at every stage. Nonetheless, the EFCC moved to detain him ahead of the expected court proceedings.
More updates will follow as the story develops.