The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned Okorie Sylvernus Sunday on four counts of alleged money laundering and counterfeiting before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Okorie, who was arrested by the Nigerian Customs with $299,000 in cash at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport on March 19, was remanded in custody. He had arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, and declared $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk. However, an additional $299,000 was found concealed in various packages, bringing the total to $578,000. Further inspection also revealed 100 Euros and a counterfeit $250 note.
After pleading not guilty to the charges, Okorie’s defense counsel, Uche Okoronkwo, requested the court to remand him in EFCC custody. Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to March 26, 2025, for trial.
At the start of proceedings, Okoronkwo explained that he had not had enough time to confer with his client or review the evidence, as he was only served with the charge sheet at 10:30 a.m. However, the prosecution, represented by Okezie, clarified that the charge was served at 9:00 a.m. and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment. After hearing both sides, Justice Dipeolu postponed the arraignment until 4:00 p.m.
