A former Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr. Fidet Edetanlen Okhiria, was remanded in prison on Tuesday in Lagos following his arraignment on money laundering and corruption charges.
Persecondnews reports that he is to remain behind bars until May 13.
Appearing before an Ikeja Special Offences Court, Okhiria faces a seven-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving $385,000 and ₦165.5 million.
The EFCC alleges that between 2016 and 2024, Okhiria exploited his position to bypass the Public Procurement Act of 2007, awarding contracts to secure “undue advantage” for himself.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, which include abuse of office and unlawful enrichment, the former rail boss pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The prosecution further stated that between May 29 and Sept. 11, 2024, in Lagos, the defendant engaged in acts of money laundering while still in office.
It alleged that he transferred a sum of $205,000 from his domiciliary account maintained with Access Bank Plc.
According to the anti-graft agency, the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities and were transferred to the bank account of one Mr Ehimen Okhiria, domiciled with ABN AMRO Bank, Netherlands.
The commission also alleged in another count that between Oct. 21 and Nov. 21, 2024, in Lagos, Okhiria engaged in further money laundering.
It said he transferred a cumulative sum of $385,000 and N165.5 million from his domiciliary account with Access Bank Plc to the bank account of Okhiria, also domiciled with ABN AMRO Bank, Netherlands.
The alleged offences contravened Sections 332(1) and 332(3), 73(1), and 82(c) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
The prosecution had requested for a trial date, urging the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
Earlier, defence counsel, Mr Adebowale Kamoru, informed the court that he had just received the charge and prayed for a short adjournment for arraignment.
The court denied the application and ordered that the defendant’s plea be taken.
Kamoru subsequently requested a brief adjournment to enable him file a bail application.
In his ruling, Justice Rahman Oshodi
ordered the defendant be remanded in a maximum correctional facility in Lagos pending the determination of his bail application.
The case has been adjourned until May 13 for the commencement of trial.
Author
Leave a comment