The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three senior officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja over an alleged N2.04bn fraud, corruption, and money laundering scheme.
The defendants — Felix Njoku, Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi, and Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu — were charged before separate judges of the Special Offences Court on allegations bordering on abuse of office, unlawful enrichment, and contract-related financial misconduct.
Alleged N736m Fraud Against Former NRC Finance Director
Felix Njoku, a former Director of Finance at the NRC, was arraigned before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe on a 17-count charge involving an alleged N736.3m fraud.
According to EFCC prosecutors, Njoku allegedly received N240.9m from NRC contractors between January and December 2024 through a Zenith Bank account linked to contracts awarded during his tenure. He pleaded not guilty.
The court granted him temporary release on health grounds, ordered the surrender of his international passport, and directed him to report to the EFCC Lagos office twice weekly.
The case was adjourned to March 10, 2026, for bail hearing and May 11–19, 2026, for trial.
Procurement Director Faces N915m Fraud Charges
Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi, a serving Director of Procurement, was arraigned before Justice Ismail Ijelu on a 10-count charge involving N915.2m.
The EFCC alleged that he received N160.9m from contractors in 2022 via Polaris Bank accounts in connection with awarded contracts. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in a correctional facility pending a March 3, 2026 bail hearing.
Mechanical Director Accused of N395m Contract Fraud
Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu appeared before Justice Mojisola Dada over an alleged N395.1m fraud. Prosecutors claim he received N11.3m from a contractor while serving as Railway District Manager in 2019.
He pleaded not guilty and was allowed to continue on administrative bail. The matter was adjourned to April 23, 2026.
The EFCC stated that the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, reinforcing Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption enforcement drive.
