The Alor community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State has issued an urgent appeal to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, to intervene in the legal battle between their son, former Minister Chris Ngige, and the Federal Government.
Community in Mourning Over Ngige's Detention
Chief Emmanuel Ojukwu, the President General of the Alor Peoples Convention (APC), stated that the entire community was thrown into mourning upon hearing about the ongoing case involving their illustrious son and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He emphasized the need for an urgent resolution.
In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Ojukwu described Senator Chris Ngige as a prominent Igbo leader and Nigerian, a foundation member of the Aka Ikenga Group, and arguably the best governor Anambra State has ever had. "As a former governor, former Senator representing Anambra Central, and a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ngige deserves more dignified treatment than this," Ojukwu asserted.
He directly called on Governor Soludo and the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo to wade into the matter and find a lasting resolution.
Court Orders and Corruption Charges
The appeal follows a series of court orders for Ngige's remand. A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, first ordered his detention at Kuje prison on Friday, December 12, 2025, after he was arraigned on an eight-count charge. This order was reaffirmed by Justice Mariam Hassan on Monday, December 15, pending the determination of his bail application.
Ngige is being prosecuted by the EFCC on charges related to his tenure as the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) from September 2015 to May 2023. The charges border on abuse of office and corrupt acceptance of gifts from NSITF contractors.
Details of the Allegations
The charges, detailed in suit number FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, allege that Ngige used his position to confer unfair advantages on several companies linked to his associates, awarding contracts worth hundreds of millions of Naira.
Counts one to five detail how he allegedly favored companies including Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited. The total contract value cited across these counts runs into billions of Naira.
Counts six to eight focus on the alleged corrupt acceptance of monetary gifts. Ngige is accused of receiving sums totaling N38,650,000, N55,003,000, and N26,130,000 through entities named "Senator (Dr) Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation" and "Senator (Dr) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme" from the same contractors.
These offences are said to contravene sections of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Bail Battle and Community's Stance
During the bail hearing, Ngige's lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), argued that his client would not interfere with witnesses if released. However, the EFCC's prosecutor, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), objected, labeling Ngige a flight risk. Tahir informed the court that the EFCC had previously granted Ngige administrative bail for medical travel abroad, but he failed to report back to the commission as required.
Subsequently, the court allowed Ngige to remain on the EFCC's administrative bail but imposed stricter conditions. Justice Hassan ordered him to produce a federal government director as a surety and to deposit his property and travel documents with the court registry. Ngige has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Alor community's intervention highlights the tension between high-profile legal prosecutions and traditional community solidarity, placing pressure on regional political and cultural leaders to act. The community maintains that while the law should take its course, the treatment of their son should reflect his stature and contributions to the state and nation.
