Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has scheduled June 2, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application of Felix Njoku, a former Director of Finance of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). Njoku is facing trial for an alleged N2.04 billion money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Defense Counsel's Argument
During the resumed proceedings, defense counsel Mordecai Adejo informed the court that he had filed a bail motion dated February 3, 2026, supported by a four-paragraph affidavit and a written address, which he adopted. Adejo urged the court to allow his client to continue enjoying the interim bail previously granted, emphasizing that Njoku had not violated any bail conditions. He stated, “My Lord, the defendant has not jumped bail. He has consistently reported to the EFCC as directed.” Adejo further prayed that the defendant be permitted to remain on bail pending the determination of the case.
Prosecution's Opposition
However, prosecution counsel Abba Muhammed (SAN) opposed the application, informing the court that the prosecution had filed a counter-affidavit and a written address. He argued that the defense failed to disclose vital details, including the number of the defendant's family members residing in Nigeria, and suggested that there was a likelihood that the defendant could abscond if granted bail. Muhammed also raised concerns that some prosecution witnesses are staff members of the NRC, where Njoku previously worked, warning that he could interfere with witnesses and tamper with evidence. He added that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the trial and had a witness in court.
Court's Decision and Trial Commencement
After hearing both sides, Justice Abike-Fadipe adjourned the ruling on the bail application until June 2, 2026. However, the trial commenced with the testimony of the prosecution's first witness (PW1), Clement Ngbolu, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc. Led in evidence by Muhammed, the witness stated that he had worked with the bank for about 16 years and was responsible for responding to requests from law enforcement agencies. Ngbolu explained that Zenith Bank received a letter from the EFCC in June 2025 requesting the statement of account of FC Njoku and Company Limited. “The documents were printed from the bank’s system, verified, signed and forwarded to the EFCC,” he said. He added that the EFCC’s letter, addressed to the Managing Director of the bank, was later assigned to him for processing.
During the proceedings, the prosecution tendered the EFCC’s letter dated June 13, 2025, the bank’s response, and the account opening documents for FC Njoku and Company Limited. The defense did not object, and the court admitted the documents as Exhibits P2, P2A, P2B and P2C. Ngbolu further told the court that the signatories to the account were Njoku Judith Chidima and Njoku Nyaku, with account number 1014247906, and identified several inflows into the account in tranches.
Following the testimony, the prosecution sought an adjournment to continue the examination of the witness. Justice Abike-Fadipe subsequently adjourned the matter for the continuation of the trial.
Background of the Case
The EFCC had, on February 25, 2026, arraigned four senior officials of the NRC before the Lagos State High Court over alleged fraud and money laundering amounting to more than N2.04 billion. The defendants include Felix Njoku, a 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 is specifically facing a 17-count charge bordering on alleged unlawful enrichment and money laundering involving N736.3 million, to which he pleaded not guilty.
