Alleged Money Laundering: Court Arraigns Man, Sunday With Undeclared $578,000 At Lagos Airport

A man identified as Okorie Sylvernus Sunday who was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, with $578,000 (Five Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand United States of America Dollars) has been handed over to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

He was arraigned on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, before Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

He is facing trial over a four-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and counterfeit currency.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Okorie Sylvernus Sunday, on the 19th day of March, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, failed to make a declaration of the sum of $299,000 (Two Hundred and Ninety Nine Thousand United States Dollars), which you concealed in Relaxer containers to the Nigerian Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, and thereby committed an offence Contrary to and Punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie, prayed the court for the remand of the defendant in a Correctional Centre and also asked for an accelerated hearing.

She also told the court that she had a witness in court and that she was ready to proceed with the trial.

Counsel to the defendant, U. Okoronkwo, however, pleaded with the court to remand the defendant in the EFCC custody. He also urged the court for a short date to enable him to discuss with his client “on the way forward.”

After listening to both parties, Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter till March 26, 2025 for commencement of trial and also ordered the defendant to be remanded in the Correctional Centre.

Posted: at 26-03-2025 02:25 PM (1 month ago) | Addicted Hero

Arraigning him for what?  Did he steal your money? You people are busy here stealing money that belongs to everyone. Sharp sharp una don arraign the innocent man while the Boko Haram terrorists that are invading military bases and killing soldiers together with the Fulani herdsmen killing people all around are walking away free. Tomorrow they are coming out to surrender for rehabilitation and reintegration into the Nigerian society.Mad Nigerian government.

Posted: at 26-03-2025 02:56 PM (1 month ago) | Gistmaniac

why he no declare it 

Posted: at 26-03-2025 06:18 PM (1 month ago) | Grande Master

The intention of the court is to seize the money and share it. Understood but where is the man heading? How did he come about the money? If those are cleared, let him pay fine, and let him go.

Posted: at 26-03-2025 08:14 PM (1 month ago) | Hero