BY Crystal Ugoeze
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he is assisting investigators.
His former spokesperson, Fred Chukwuelobe, confirmed this and clarified that he as not kidnapped as being rumoured.
Chukwuelobe said he had been inundated with calls over claims that the former Anambra State governor was abducted, but explained that Ngige is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he is assisting investigators.
“Ngige is with the EFCC. He was not abducted or kidnapped,” he said.
Ngige has recently faced increased scrutiny from anti-graft agencies. In September 2024, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) questioned him over alleged contract irregularities at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), which falls under the ministry he headed for eight years. The ICPC confirmed at the time that he was not detained but was assisting with investigations.
The former minister has also been the subject of past petitions. In 2017, a civil society group, Advocates for Peace and Effective Justice Development Initiative (APEJDI), urged the EFCC to investigate the source of funds allegedly used to purchase a $922,600 property in the United States shortly after he left office as governor.
Further details on the latest EFCC inquiry are expected.
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