The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports circulating on social media about the arrest of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige. According to ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare, Ngige was invited for questioning concerning certain activities from his tenure as minister, not arrested.
Bakare clarified that after the questioning, Ngige was allowed to leave but is required to return for further inquiries on a specified date. He urged the public to disregard false reports and called on journalists to verify information before publication.
Ngige’s questioning relates to ongoing investigations into contracts awarded under the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and follows a previous inquiry into a ₦47 million gratuity payment to a former NSITF Managing Director. Additionally, a committee led by Simon Lalong, Ngige’s successor, is investigating alleged irregularities involving contracts worth ₦1.8 billion within NSITF.
