BREAKING: Confusion over Ngige’s rumoured kidnap as aide confirms he is in EFCC custody

Widespread panic broke out on Wednesday following claims that former Anambra State governor and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, had been kidnapped. However, his media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, has clarified that Ngige is actually in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Chukwuelobe’s intervention came after he was inundated with calls from journalists, political associates, and concerned acquaintances seeking confirmation of the rumoured abduction.

The renewed attention surrounding Ngige comes against a backdrop of long-standing corruption allegations linked to his political career. The EFCC had previously released a report accusing him of allegedly diverting or laundering over N46 billion belonging to Anambra’s local governments during his tenure as governor.

During his time as Minister of Labour, particularly in his oversight of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngige was also questioned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with EFCC support, over alleged contract inconsistencies and ‘job-racketeering’ claims.

In a brief statement on Wednesday, Chukwuelobe disclosed that the rumour circulated rapidly, compelling him to issue a public clarification.

He wrote: “I have been receiving calls in the past hour from friends and journalists seeking the veracity of the news making the rounds that His Excellency, Dr Chris Ngige, former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, ‘has been kidnapped.’”

He insisted that there was no abduction, confirming instead that Ngige was with EFCC operatives.

“Ngige is with the EFCC. He was not ‘abducted’ or ‘kidnapped’,” Chukwuelobe stated.

Efforts to obtain independent confirmation from the EFCC were unsuccessful as of Wednesday night. The agency kept silent, with its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, declining to respond to Vanguard’s inquiries regarding Ngige’s reported arrest.

Chukwuelobe added that further details about the situation would be provided in due course.

His clarification helped ease public anxiety and shifted attention back to the EFCC’s ongoing engagement with the former minister. (Vanguard, headline modified)