EFCC Set to Arraign Chris Ngige After Dramatic Arrest in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is preparing to arraign former Minister of Labour and Productivity and one-time Anambra State Governor Chris Ngige after a dramatic arrest at his Abuja residence.

Ngige was picked up on Wednesday by about 20 EFCC operatives from the agency’s Wuse II Zonal office. The officers arrived at his home on Justice Mohammed Bello Road in Asokoro in what a family member described as a commando-style operation. He was reportedly taken away without being allowed to change out of his pyjamas.

Before the arrest, Ngige had been granted administrative bail after responding to an EFCC invitation over undisclosed matters. According to his family, he had remained in touch with investigators, fulfilled all requirements, and submitted his travel documents.

He had planned to travel to the United States for medical care but misplaced his passport while transiting through the United Kingdom, forcing him to abandon the trip. Temporary travel papers were later issued by the Nigerian High Commission in London, allowing him to return to Abuja.

Upon his return, Ngige drafted a letter explaining the circumstances surrounding his missing passport and the delay in reporting back to the EFCC. However, he had not submitted the letter before operatives arrived at his home.

Ngige expressed surprise over the arrest, maintaining that he had honoured all bail conditions and cooperated fully with the commission.