The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has scheduled June 2, 2026, for the ruling on the bail application of Felix Njoku, a former Director of Finance at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe set the date after hearing arguments from both the defense and prosecution.
Background of the Case
Njoku is facing trial on charges of alleged ₦2.04 billion money laundering, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges stem from his tenure at the NRC, where he is accused of unlawful enrichment and financial misconduct.
Defense Arguments
Defense counsel Mordecai Adejo informed the court that a bail motion was filed on February 3, 2026, supported by a four-paragraph affidavit and a written address. Adejo urged the court to allow Njoku to continue enjoying the interim bail previously granted, emphasizing that the defendant had not violated any conditions. “My lord, the defendant has not jumped bail. He has consistently reported to the EFCC as directed,” Adejo stated. He further requested that Njoku remain on bail until the case is resolved.
Prosecution's Opposition
Prosecution counsel Abba Muhammed (SAN) opposed the application, arguing that the defense failed to disclose crucial details, including the number of Njoku's family members residing in Nigeria. Muhammed warned that the defendant might abscond if granted bail. He also expressed concerns about potential witness interference, noting that some prosecution witnesses are NRC employees who previously worked with Njoku. “The defendant could tamper with evidence and influence witnesses,” Muhammed said. He added that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the trial and had a witness present in court.
Court Proceedings
After hearing both sides, Justice Abike-Fadipe adjourned the bail ruling until June 2, 2026. However, the trial commenced with testimony from the prosecution's first witness, Clement Ngbolu, a compliance officer at Zenith Bank Plc.
Witness Testimony
Ngbolu, who has worked at Zenith Bank for about 16 years, testified that his role involves responding to requests from law enforcement agencies. He stated that the bank received a letter from the EFCC in June 2025, requesting the statement of account for FC Njoku and Company Limited. “The documents were printed from the bank’s system, verified, signed, and forwarded to the EFCC,” Ngbolu explained. He added that the EFCC’s letter, addressed to the bank’s Managing Director, was assigned to him for processing.
Admission of Evidence
During the proceedings, the prosecution tendered several documents, including the EFCC’s letter dated June 13, 2025, the bank’s response, and account opening documents for FC Njoku and Company Limited. The defense raised no objections, and the court admitted them as Exhibits P2, P2A, P2B, and P2C. Ngbolu further testified that the account signatories are Njoku Judith Chidima and Njoku Nyaku, with account number 1014247906. He identified multiple inflows into the account in tranches.
Adjournment
Following the testimony, the prosecution requested an adjournment to continue examining the witness. Justice Abike-Fadipe adjourned the matter for continuation of trial.
Related Charges
The EFCC had, on February 25, 2026, arraigned four senior NRC officials before the Lagos State High Court over alleged fraud and money laundering exceeding ₦2.04 billion. The defendants include Felix Njoku; former Managing Director Fidet Okhiria Edetanle; Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi, a serving Director in the Procurement Department; and Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu, Director of Mechanical. Njoku faces a 17-count charge related to alleged unlawful enrichment and money laundering involving ₦736.3 million. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
