Former Nigerian minister arrested
Former Anambra State governor and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja.
This clears the confusion caused by earlier reports that he had been kidnapped.
The rumour of his abduction spread on Wednesday, causing worry among political associates and supporters.
Many people reached out to his former media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, seeking to know his whereabouts.
Ngige has faced corruption questions linked to his time in public office.
An old EFCC report accused him of diverting funds meant for Anambra’s local governments during his tenure as governor.
As labour minister, he was also questioned by the ICPC, with EFCC involvement, over alleged contract problems and job-related dealings at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.
Chukwuelobe explained that the false report of an abduction circulated quickly online and caused unnecessary panic.
He confirmed that Ngige is in EFCC custody and not missing.
Attempts to get a direct response from the EFCC on Wednesday night were not successful, as the agency did not comment on the arrest.
More updates are expected as the situation develops.
Misplaced priorities!