Ngige’s EFCC Presence Sparks Fresh Questions

Reports that former Anambra State governor and ex-Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, is currently with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have reignited public attention on corruption investigations involving senior figures from the previous administration.

Confusion initially surrounded Ngige’s whereabouts after claims circulated on Wednesday suggesting he had been kidnapped. However, his former media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, later clarified that the former minister was in the custody of the anti-graft agency. As of now, the EFCC has neither confirmed nor denied this development, with spokesperson Dele Oyewole yet to issue an official statement.

Ngige’s situation now adds to a widening list of former ministers and top officials from the Muhammadu Buhari administration currently under investigation or facing prosecution.

Timipre Sylva: Wanted Over Alleged $14 Million Fraud

Former Bayelsa State governor and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is one of the most prominent figures on the EFCC’s radar. Sylva oversaw critical aspects of Nigeria’s oil sector, the country’s main revenue source.

On November 10, 2025, the EFCC declared him wanted in connection with alleged financial misconduct exceeding $14 million (approximately ₦21 billion). The commission said a Lagos State High Court issued a warrant for his arrest on November 6.

At the time of the announcement, Sylva was reportedly outside Nigeria. His spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, stated that the former minister had never received a formal EFCC invitation before being declared wanted and maintained that Sylva would cooperate once he completed medical evaluations in the United Kingdom.

This development follows earlier controversy in 2025, when security agencies reportedly searched Sylva’s properties in Abuja and Bayelsa over allegations of involvement in a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu—claims his camp firmly denied. On December 8, Bokoru further confirmed that EFCC officials had sealed Sylva’s Abuja residence, marking it with the inscription “EFCC – KEEP OFF.”

Abubakar Malami Under Investigation Over Abacha Loot

Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is also facing EFCC scrutiny over multiple corruption-related issues.

While the EFCC has not released a detailed public briefing, Malami acknowledged that he was invited by the commission in connection with the repatriation of $346.2 million from Switzerland—funds linked to former military ruler Sani Abacha.

According to Malami, investigators are questioning his decision to hire specific legal firms and approve substantial legal fees for work related to the recovery of the funds, despite arguments that much of the groundwork had already been completed by earlier administrations. He said the EFCC is probing allegations of abuse of office and money laundering, which he has categorically denied.

Malami has also dismissed claims linking him to terrorism financing, insisting he has never been accused, investigated, or charged by any law enforcement agency locally or internationally on such matters.

Reports on Tuesday indicated that Malami spent two nights in EFCC custody after honouring an invitation. An EFCC source quoted in local media said he had been granted bail but was yet to meet the conditions.

Hadi Sirika Faces Trial Over Nigeria Air Project

Former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika is currently standing trial over the controversial Nigeria Air project, which the current administration has described as fundamentally flawed.

Present Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo publicly criticized the project, stating that it was never truly Nigeria Air but rather an arrangement centered around Ethiopian Airlines, hurriedly unveiled just weeks before the end of the Buhari administration.

The EFCC alleges that Sirika abused his office by awarding consultancy roles and contracts to his daughter, Fatima Sirika, and her husband, Jalal Hamma, including work tied to the airline’s launch and expansion projects at Katsina Airport.

Sirika has been granted bail in the sum of ₦100 million, and the trial remains ongoing.

Godwin Emefiele: Multiple Charges After Leaving Office

Although not a cabinet minister, former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele was among the most influential figures during the Buhari era.

Since his removal from office, Emefiele has faced a series of criminal charges, including allegations of money laundering, illegal possession of firearms, and other financial crimes. His ongoing court cases have placed him at the center of debates around accountability and governance in Nigeria’s financial system.

A Broader Reckoning With the Past

Taken together, these cases highlight a broader and increasingly aggressive review of actions taken under the previous administration. As investigations continue, public attention remains fixed on how far accountability will extend—and what it ultimately means for governance and public trust in Nigeria.