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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, arraigned a suspect, Okorie Sylvernus Sunday, arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) with $578,000.
According to the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, the suspect was arraigned 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,” Oyewale said.
One of the counts reads: “That you, Okorie Sylvernus Sunday, on the 19th day of March, 2025, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable 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 Nigeria 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.”
Oyewale added that the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
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“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 EFCC custody.
“He also urged the court for a short date to enable him to discuss with his client ‘on the way forward,’” Oyewale said.
After listening to both parties, Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter until March 26, 2025, for the commencement of the trial and also ordered the defendant to be remanded in the Correctional Centre, he added.
