A Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced Christopher Ekene Ofielu, a 39-year-old train driver with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), to 18 months imprisonment for stealing ₦6.9 million belonging to HabariPay Ltd.
Justice Rahman Oshodi handed down the verdict on Monday, October 20, 2025, after Ofielu pleaded guilty to a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing, and unlawful possession brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the EFCC, Ofielu exploited a system glitch to make unauthorized withdrawals, transferring ₦6,995,944 from HabariPay’s system into his personal Access Bank account (No. 14864072356). His arrest followed a petition filed by HabariPay Ltd on September 26, 2023.
During the hearing, EFCC investigator Adams Adze reviewed the facts of the case, confirming that the defendant had admitted to the offence. The prosecution informed the court that Ofielu entered into a plea bargain agreement with the Commission.
Defence counsel, Mercy Akhabue, appealed for leniency, noting that the defendant was remorseful and a first-time offender.
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi convicted Ofielu of stealing and sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment, effective from October 20, 2025, with an option of a ₦1.5 million fine—on the condition that he fully restitutes the stolen sum within seven days.
The court also ordered that his biometric data be entered into the Lagos State offenders’ register and directed the restoration of his Ecobank salary account.
Ofielu was remanded in EFCC custody pending the completion of the restitution and related formalities.