The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has reserved judgment on the bail application of Felix Njoku, former Director of Finance at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), until June 2, 2026. Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe gave the ruling after hearing arguments from both prosecution and defence counsel during a Monday hearing. Njoku is one of four NRC officials standing trial on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to over ₦2.04 billion. He faces a 17-count charge involving ₦736.3 million, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Defence lawyer Mordecai Adejo urged the court to allow Njoku to remain on interim bail, stating that his client had complied with all conditions, including regular reporting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Adejo submitted a bail motion dated February 3, 2026, supported by an affidavit and written address. He argued that Njoku had not violated any court order and should be granted bail pending trial.
Opposing the application, EFCC counsel Abba Muhammed (SAN) said the agency had filed a counter-affidavit and written address. He claimed the defence failed to establish Njoku's family ties in Nigeria and alleged that the defendant could flee if released. Muhammed also argued that Njoku could influence witnesses who are still NRC employees. He confirmed the prosecution was ready to proceed and had a witness present in court.
The court admitted documents tendered by the prosecution, including an EFCC letter dated June 13, 2025, requesting account details for FC Njoku and Company Ltd from Zenith Bank Plc. Clement Ngbolu, a compliance officer at the bank, testified that the documents were processed through official channels and confirmed the account signatories as Njoku Judith Chidima and Njoku Nyaku. The court adjourned the trial to May 12, 2026, for continuation.
The EFCC arraigned Njoku and three other NRC directors—Fidet Okhiria Edetanle, Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi, and Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu—on February 25, 2026. Njoku was previously granted interim bail on health grounds, with conditions including passport surrender and bi-weekly EFCC reporting.
Felix Njoku seeks permanent bail after being allowed temporary release on health grounds, yet continues to report to the EFCC without restriction. His continued compliance contrasts with the prosecution's claim that he poses a flight risk. The court's June 2026 deadline for a bail ruling delays clarity for months despite ongoing trial proceedings. This prolongs uncertainty for Njoku and the other defendants awaiting trial on serious financial charges.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
