EFCC to arraign ex-minister Ngige Friday

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on Friday arraign former Minister of Labour and Productivity and ex-Anambra State Governor, Dr Chris Ngige, following his arrest on Wednesday in what relatives described as a forceful dawn operation at his Abuja residence.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, Ngige’s team said the arrest was tied to an ongoing EFCC probe.

The statement said operatives from the EFCC’s Wuse II Zonal Office stormed the home on Justice Mohammed Bello Road, Asokoro, with about 20 officers who allegedly whisked Ngige away without allowing him to change out of his nightwear.

“He was not allowed to change his clothes and was taken away still wearing his pyjamas,” Mr Chukwulobe alleged.

“Dr. Ngige expressed surprise at his arrest when he had not violated the terms of his administrative bail and had cooperated with the agency in its statutory duties,” the statement said.

Chukwuelobe also moved to dispel rising speculation that the arrest was linked to Ngige’s recent meeting with Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing such theories as unfounded and harmful.

According to him, the scheduled arraignment on Friday should shed light on the allegations behind the arrest and allow Ngige’s legal team to seek bail.

Channels TV reported that EFCC has filed an eight-count charge against Ngige.

The charge, according to Channels, was dated Oct 31st and filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sylvanus Tahir and five other lawyers on behalf of the EFCC.

The anti-graft agency alleged that Ngige used his position as a former minister to confer undue advantage by awarding different contracts to his associates and different companies believed to be owned by him.

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