Former NRC Boss Arraigned Over Alleged $385,000, ₦165m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned former Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria Edetanle, over alleged financial crimes totaling $385,000 and ₦165,438,000. He was brought before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, February 24, 2026.

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC filed a seven-count charge against him, accusing him of abuse of office, money laundering, and unlawful enrichment while he was a public official.

Prosecutors told the court that the alleged offences took place during and shortly after his tenure as head of the NRC.

One of the charges states that between May 29 and September 11, 2024, Edetanle allegedly moved $205,000 from his domiciliary account with Access Bank to an account held by Ehimen Richard Okhiria at ABN AMRO Bank in the Netherlands. The EFCC claims the money was linked to unlawful activities.

Another count alleges that between October 21 and November 21, 2024, after leaving office, he transferred an additional $40,000 from the same Access Bank account to the same foreign account.

The commission said the actions violated sections of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, relating to money laundering and misconduct by a public officer.

When the charges were read, the former railway chief pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution, led by Abba Muhammad (SAN), asked the court to set a trial date and requested that the defendant be kept in custody.

However, defence lawyer Adebowale Kamoru said he had just received the charge and needed time to prepare and file a bail application.

After considering the submissions, Justice Oshodi fixed May 13, 14, and 15, 2026, for the trial to continue.

The judge also ordered that Edetanle be held in a maximum correctional facility pending the hearing and determination of his bail request.

The case adds to ongoing anti-corruption prosecutions involving former government officials in the country.

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