By Francis Wilfred
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 alleged fraud, corruption and money laundering totalling more than ₦2.04 billion.
The defendants — Felix Njoku, a former Director of Finance; Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi, Director of Procurement; and Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu, Director of Mechanical — were arraigned separately before judges of the Special Offences Court.
Charges Against Njoku
Njoku appeared before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe on a 17-count charge involving an alleged ₦736.3 million. The EFCC alleged he received ₦240.9 million from NRC contractors through a Zenith Bank account linked to FC Njoku and Company after leaving office in 2024. He pleaded not guilty.The court ordered him to deposit his international passport and report to the EFCC twice weekly. Hearing of his bail application is set for March 10, 2026, while trial dates have been fixed for May.
Charges Against Iloanusi
Iloanusi was arraigned before Justice Ismail Ijelu on a 10-count charge involving an alleged ₦915.3 million. Prosecutors alleged he received ₦160.9 million through Polaris Bank accounts linked to contractors in 2022. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded pending a March 3, 2026 bail hearing.
Charges Against Ogbole-Inalegwu
Ogbole-Inalegwu appeared before Justice Mojisola Dada on a nine-count charge involving an alleged ₦395.2 million. He denied the allegations and was allowed to continue on administrative bail. The case was adjourned to April 23, 2026.The EFCC said the charges were filed under relevant provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
