The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday arraigned a suspect, Okorie Sylvernus Sunday arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, with $578,000.
He 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.
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 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.
