By Peter Omopo
The trial of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Fidet Edetanlen, over alleged fraud involving $385,000 and ₦165.4 million has been adjourned to May 20, 2026.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, fixed the new date after previously scheduled dates for the prosecution to open its case were vacated.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had earlier been scheduled to commence trial proceedings on May 13, 14 and 15 through the presentation of witnesses.
However, defence counsel, Adebowale Kamoru, informed the court that the defendant had filed a motion dated May 12, 2026, seeking an order striking out the charge and compelling the prosecution to provide documents and materials needed for the defence.
The defence argued that continuing with the charge after a forfeiture order had already been made against assets linked to the defendant could amount to an additional forfeiture.
The application led to arguments between the defence and prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed (SAN), over access to documents and the reliefs being sought by the defence.
In response, the prosecution opposed the application, insisting that the matter was scheduled for commencement of trial. The prosecution also informed the court that a witness from Zenith Bank was present to tender statements of account which had allegedly been served on the defence.
During proceedings, Justice Oshodi urged both parties to resolve issues relating to documents outside the courtroom and directed the defence to specifically identify documents required for the trial instead of making broad references to pages in the proof of evidence.
The court also directed the prosecution to respond to the defence application after proper service.
Edetanlen was arraigned in February 2026 on a seven-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering and unlawful enrichment by a public official. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offences contravene Sections 332(1), 332(3), 73(1) and 82(c) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
