Dr. Chris Ngige, Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, has been taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The development was confirmed on Tuesday by his former media aide, Mr. Fred Chukwuelobe, who dispelled earlier reports circulating on social media that the ex-minister had been kidnapped.
In a brief statement, Chukwuelobe clarified that Ngige was not abducted but is currently with operatives of the EFCC.
He stated:
“Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, is with the EFCC. More details later.”
The clarification came amid a wave of online rumours alleging that unknown gunmen had whisked away the former minister.
Ngige, who served as Minister of Labour under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was recently in the news following an armed attack on his convoy in Anambra State. Although he was not in the vehicle during the incident, the assault heightened public concern about his safety.
As of the time of filing this report, details regarding the reason for Ngige’s arrest or the nature of the EFCC’s investigation remain unclear.