February 25, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
Lagos, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned Engr. Fidet Edetanle Okhiria, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), before an Ikeja Special Offences Court on multiple counts of alleged financial misconduct, including money laundering, abuse of office, and unlawful enrichment.
Okhiria faces a seven-count indictment anchored on accusations that he illicitly transferred a cumulative sum of $385,000 and ₦165.5 million to foreign accounts during and shortly after his tenure at the state-owned rail agency. The charges, filed by the EFCC, allege that the funds represented proceeds of unlawful activities and that Okhiria exploited his position for personal gain.
Court Proceedings and Charges
During Tuesday’s court session, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, EFCC counsel Mr. Abba Muhammad (SAN) outlined the prosecution’s case, contending that Okhiria breached Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act, 2007, by awarding contracts to favoured contractors in a manner that conferred “undue advantage” on himself.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that between May 29 and September 11, 2024, while still in office, Okhiria transferred $205,000 from his domiciliary account held at Access Bank Plc to the account of one Mr. Ehimen Okhiria, domiciled with ABN AMRO Bank in the Netherlands. In a separate count, between October 21 and November 21, 2024, he is accused of further money laundering by moving additional funds totaling $385,000 and ₦165.5 million to the same overseas account.
Responding to the charges in court, Okhiria pleaded not guilty to all offences. Determined to proceed without delay, the court declined a defence request for additional time to review the charges, instead formally recording the plea and remanding Okhiria in a correctional facility.
Defence and Court Directions
Counsel for the defence, Mr. Adebowale Kamoru, told the court he had only just been served with the prosecution’s charges and needed more time to prepare a bail application. The court adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that Okhiria remain in custody at a maximum-security correctional centre pending the determination of his bail application.
The arraignment of Okhiria marks a continuation of the EFCC’s high-profile efforts to clamp down on alleged corruption among senior public officials and executives of government corporations. Money laundering and abuse of office remain central focal points for the commission, which has in recent years pursued similar cases involving top management personnel across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
Legal analysts note that the prosecution’s reliance on both domestic and international financial transaction trails illustrates the EFCC’s growing capacity to trace and scrutinise cross-border fund movements a critical pillar in the fight against sophisticated financial crime. The case also raises questions about governance and oversight within state enterprises like the NRC, which have significant roles in national infrastructure development but have been plagued by allegations of mismanagement.
As the trial date approaches, stakeholders in Nigeria’s anti-corruption community and transport sector will be closely watching developments, with many observers framing the proceedings as a litmus test for accountability at the highest levels of public service.