A Lagos court has convicted a Nigerian Railway Corporation driver, Christopher Ekene Ofielu, for stealing approximately $15,000, equivalent to 6.9 million Nigerian naira. The 39-year-old was sentenced to 18 months in prison by Justice Rahman Osodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on October 20, 2025.

Ofielu pleaded guilty to a three-count charge, including conspiracy, stealing, and possession of the stolen funds. According to the prosecution, he used his Habaripay Squad account to transfer the stolen amount into his Access Bank account. The investigation, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), revealed that Ofielu had capitalized on a system glitch to make the unauthorized withdrawal.

The EFCC had received a petition from HabariPay Ltd, dated September 26, 2023, which led to Ofielu’s arrest. The prosecution presented the facts of the case, and the defense counsel, Mercy Akhabue, pleaded for leniency, stating that Ofielu was remorseful and a first-time offender.

Justice Osodi convicted Ofielu on the count of stealing and sentenced him to 18 months in prison, effective from October 20, 2025. However, the judge offered an alternative option of a 1.5 million naira fine, provided Ofielu fully restitutes the stolen amount to HabariPay Ltd within seven days. The court also ordered the restoration of Ofielu’s Eco Bank salary account and the registration of his biometric data in the Lagos State offenders’ register.

The convict has been remanded in EFCC custody pending the execution of necessary documents. This case highlights the efforts of the EFCC in combating financial crimes in Nigeria, and the consequences of such offenses. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the rule of law in the country’s financial sector.