EFCC set to arraign ex‑Anambra governor Ngige in court — aide confirms

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is poised to formally charge former Anambra State governor and one‑time Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, to court following his dramatic arrest in Abuja this week, a close aide has confirmed. 

Ngige was taken into custody by about 20 EFCC operatives on Wednesday at his residence on Justice Mohammed Bello Road, Asokoro, in what family members described as a “commando‑style raid”. According to reports, he was not given time to change clothes before being whisked away by the anti‑graft agents.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the former governor’s media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, said the EFCC plans to arraign Ngige “possibly today,” signalling a formal move to prosecute him in court over undisclosed allegations linked to his time in public office.

Ngige’s arrest sparked confusion on social media earlier this week, with some speculating that he had been abducted. However, Chukwuelobe quickly debunked those claims, clarifying that the ex‑governor was firmly in the custody of the anti‑graft agency and not a kidnapping victim.

The EFCC has so far declined to publicly outline the exact charges against Ngige, and its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Ngige, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment from 2015 to 2023, has previously been questioned by anti‑graft agencies, although details of past inquiries remain largely undisclosed.

Legal teams for the former governor are expected to appear in court once charges are filed, where they may seek bail and argue their case as proceedings unfold.