The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Okorie Sylvernus Sunday, who was arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with $578,000 in cash.
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the EFCC arraigned the suspect on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, before Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi. He faces a four-count charge related to money laundering and possession of counterfeit currency.
Charges Against the Suspect
One of the charges states that Okorie failed to declare $299,000 hidden inside relaxer containers at the airport, violating Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
When the charges were read, Okorie pleaded not guilty.
Court Proceedings
Prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie, requested that the suspect be remanded in a correctional facility and called for an accelerated hearing. She also noted that the prosecution was ready to proceed with a witness present in court.
However, defense counsel, U. Okoronkwo, appealed for Okorie to remain in EFCC custody and requested a short adjournment to consult with his client.
After hearing both sides, Justice Dipeolu adjourned the trial to March 26, 2025, and ordered that the suspect be remanded in a Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
