By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned three senior Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) officials—Felix Njoku, Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi, and Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu—on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja over alleged fraud, corruption, and money laundering totaling over N2.04 billion. The charges relate to payments linked to contracts awarded during their official duties.
Felix Njoku Faces 17-Count Fraud Charge
Felix Njoku, former NRC Director of Finance, was arraigned before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe on a 17-count charge involving an alleged N736,320,807.08 fraud.
The EFCC alleged that Njoku, operating as FC Njoku and Company, received N240,940,000 from NRC contractors through a Zenith Bank Plc account. The funds were tied to contracts awarded during his tenure.
Njoku pleaded not guilty. Justice Abike-Fadipe granted him temporary release on health grounds. He must deposit his international passport with the court and report to EFCC Lagos Directorate 1 every Monday and Friday.
Benjamin Iloanusi Arraigned Over N915 Million Fraud
Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi, NRC Director in Procurement, faced a 10-count charge of N915,265,472.60 before Justice Ismail Ijelu.
The prosecution alleged that Iloanusi received N160,930,458.04 from NRC contractors through Polaris Bank Plc accounts between January and December 2022.
He pleaded not guilty. The prosecution requested trial dates and urged the court to remand him. His defence counsel, Mordecai Adejo, asked that he continue enjoying previously granted administrative bail.
Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu Faces Nine-Count Fraud Charge
Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu, NRC Director of Mechanical, was arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada on a nine-count charge involving N395,190,600.
The EFCC alleged that between February and October 2019, Ogbole-Inalegwu received N11,397,500 from China Civil Engineering Construction Company through an Access Bank Plc account linked to NRC contracts.
He pleaded not guilty. Justice Dada allowed him to continue on administrative bail and adjourned the case to April 23, 2026, for hearing. Trial dates are set for May 11, 12, 18, and 19, 2026.
Court Orders, Bail, and Trial Dates
Justice Ijelu ordered Iloanusi’s remand pending trial, while Njoku and Ogbole-Inalegwu remain on bail.
Bail applications are scheduled for March 3 and March 10, 2026. Trials are set to commence between April and May 2026.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to investigating alleged contract-linked payments and enforcing accountability within the NRC.
