By Our Correspondent
Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has reportedly been taken into custody by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to emerging accounts on Wednesday evening.
The development comes barely days after Ngige’s convoy was violently attacked in Anambra State, a strike that left several persons injured—among them a police orderly—while one individual was confirmed dead.
Ngige was not in the convoy at the time of the assault, but the incident heightened concerns surrounding his security profile.
Earlier today, unverified reports circulated on social media alleging that Ngige had been abducted from his residence on Justice Mohammed Bello Road in Abuja, with claims that he was taken away abruptly.
However, in a brief statement posted online, Fred Chukwuelobe, a former media aide to Ngige during his tenure as governor, clarified the situation, writing:
“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. More details later.”
Reacting to the unfolding situation, a close associate of the former minister—who requested anonymity—described the development as “Malami treatment,” adding that “it is political persecution.”
He further argued that Ngige had, in past political cycles, been notably vocal in advocating that the presidency should rotate to the South East “in the spirit of equity.”
As a sitting governor, Ngige was also abducted by certain political forces in 2003.
The EFCC is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
More details to follow as the story develops.
