The EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 has arraigned Okorie Sylvernus Sunday in the Federal High Court in Ikoyi for allegedly possessing $578,000 related to money laundering.
This was confirmed according to a statement released on its official X handle on March 25, 2025.
According to the statement, Okorie was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport while in possession of $578,000.
He faces a four-count charge related to money laundering and counterfeit currency, with one specific allegation stating that he failed to declare $299,000 concealed in Relaxer containers, contravening the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022. Okorie pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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During the proceedings, prosecution counsel C.C. Okezie requested that Okorie be remanded in a Correctional Centre and called for an expedited trial, indicating the presence of a witness ready to testify.
In contrast, Okorie’s defense counsel, U. Okoronkwo, requested that his client be held in EFCC custody and sought a short adjournment to discuss the case further with him.
After considering the arguments from both sides, Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu adjourned the case until March 26, 2025, for the commencement of the trial, ordering the defendant to be remanded in the Correctional Centre in the meantime.
