EFCC Arraigns Man For Smuggling $299,000 Hidden In Relaxer Containers At Lagos Airport
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, arraigned Okorie Sylvernus Sunday before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a four-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and counterfeiting.
Justice Dipeolu ordered Okorie’s remand after he was arrested by the Nigerian Customs Service at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with $299,000 in cash. The arrest was made on March 19, 2025, and the suspect was handed over to the EFCC through Lagos Zonal Commander II, Mohammed Ghali, on Friday.
EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Chineye Okezie, told the court that Okorie had concealed the $299,000 along with counterfeit $250 and €100 bills inside relaxer containers while attempting to pass through customs at the airport.
The prosecutor further revealed that Okorie illegally imported five counterfeit $50 notes, totaling $250, with specific serial numbers, knowing them to be fake. These actions, she stated, contravene Sections 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Sections 3(1)(a), 5(1)(b), and (2) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Okorie pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the plea, the EFCC’s counsel requested the court to remand him in prison custody, while his defense lawyer, Uche Okoronkwo, pleaded for his client to be kept in EFCC custody instead.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case till March 26, 2025, for trial.
Earlier in the proceedings, Okoronkwo told the court he had not yet had the opportunity to consult with his client or review the proof of evidence, as he was only served the charge sheet at 10:30 AM. He requested an adjournment until March 26 for the arraignment. However, the prosecution countered, stating that Okorie had been served since 9 AM and that the defense had ample time to confer.
After hearing both arguments, Justice Dipeolu initially stood the arraignment down until 4 PM before proceeding with the hearing and ordering Okorie’s remand.
