By Our Correspondent
Unfolding events reveal how about 20 operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed the Abuja residence of former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, in a dramatic, “commando-style” operation.
Witnesses say the former governor was stunned, still in pyjamas when taken away.
The officers, from the Commission’s Wuse II Zonal Office, arrived at the property on Justice Mohammed Bello Road in Asokoro and swiftly moved into the compound before whisking Ngige away without letting him change.
A family member said the former minister was “surprised and confused” as officers bundled him out.
Ngige was said to have been on administrative bail from the EFCC after honouring an earlier invitation for questioning over undisclosed matters.
“He had maintained contact with investigators and complied with directives, including returning his travel documents,” a reliable source said.
The source added,”Trouble reportedly began during a recent medical trip he attempted to the United States. Transiting through the UK, he allegedly lost his passport and aborted the trip, later securing emergency travel documents from the Nigerian High Commission in London to return home.
“On return to Abuja, Ngige drafted a letter to notify the EFCC of the lost passport and explain why he couldn’t return the document as required. He hadn’t submitted the letter when EFCC operatives arrived and took him into custody.”
Sources close to the former governor say he expressed shock over the arrest, insisting he hadn’t violated bail conditions and had cooperated fully.
In a statement signed by former media aide to Ngige, Sir Fred Chukwuelobe, the EFCC may bring him before a court today, where his legal team will argue for his release on bail as the case unfolds.
