Businessman Remanded In Lagos For $299,000 Concealment And Fake Currency

Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court has ordered the remand of businessman Sunday Okorie at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for allegedly failing to declare $299,000 and being in possession of counterfeit foreign currency.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Okorie on four counts of money laundering and unlawful importation of counterfeit currency.

Prosecutor Chineye Okezie told the court that Okorie concealed the undeclared funds inside relaxer containers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on March 19, 2025.

He was also accused of importing and possessing counterfeit $50 bills, totaling $250, with specific serial numbers.

The prosecution stated that the alleged offences violated the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act.

Okorie pleaded not guilty, and his counsel, Uche Okoronkwo, requested that he be remanded in EFCC custody.

However, the judge ruled that he be held in prison and adjourned the trial to March 26, 2025.