Former Minister Ngige Detained by EFCC, Aide Confirms

Former Anambra State governor and immediate past Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige, is currently with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), contrary to widespread rumours that he had been abducted. Panic spread across political circles on Wednesday until his media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, issued a clarification.

The rumours intensified amid lingering corruption allegations tied to Ngige’s time in public office, including a past EFCC probe alleging diversion of over N46 billion in local government funds and questions from the ICPC regarding NSITF contract practices. His aide said the situation triggered an influx of calls from journalists and associates.

Chukwuelobe confirmed that Ngige is safe and in the custody of investigators, insisting there was no kidnap incident. He explained that false reports circulated rapidly, prompting the need for immediate clarification.

Efforts to obtain comments from EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale proved unsuccessful, as the Commission maintained silence on the matter by Wednesday night.