Former Anambra Governor Chris Ngige Arrested by EFCC in Abuja
Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was reportedly arrested in Abuja on Wednesday by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ngige was said to have been taken into custody early in the morning at his residence on Justice Mohammed Bello Road in the Federal Capital Territory. According to eyewitnesses, armed security personnel arrived at the property before escorting the former minister away.
As of press time, the EFCC had yet to release an official statement outlining the reason for the operation, leaving room for public speculation. Shortly after news of his arrest surfaced, social media was awash with rumours suggesting that Ngige had been kidnapped—claims that quickly raised anxiety in light of Nigeria’s persistent security challenges and Ngige’s previously reported security concerns.
The speculation was dispelled by Ngige’s former media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, who confirmed that the former minister was indeed in the custody of the anti-graft agency.
“Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past minister of labour and employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, is with the EFCC. More details later,” Chukwuelobe said in a brief statement.
His clarification helped calm the online uproar but did little to address the central question surrounding the circumstances and purpose of the EFCC’s move against the former minister. Further details are awaited.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
