At the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, Agudosi Christopher Okechukwu was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Yellim Bogoro on Tuesday for allegedly failing to declare foreign currency in his possession totaling £8,020 and $704 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja.
In December 2024, Okechukwu was caught trying to fly with the unreported money by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) agents. The case was turned over to the EFCC for additional investigation after his arrest.
The defendant is charged with two counts of money laundering.
One of the accusations states that Okechukwu failed to disclose £8,020 to NCS officers at the airport on December 10, 2024, a violation that is punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, on December 10, 2024, Agudosi Christopher Okechukwu failed to declare £8,020 to the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. As a result, he committed an offense that is punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
However, Okechukwu entered a guilty plea to the accusations.
According to EFCC operative Abubakar Magaji, who presented the case’s facts to the court, the defendant first disclosed only £7,000 but neglected to reveal that he also had £8,020 and $704 in his possession.
Magaji further informed the court that Okechukwu stated he was in such much emotional turmoil after his brother’s recent death that he neglected to disclose the remaining cash.
“His statement was cautiously recorded. He claimed that he was detained at the MMIA Airport with £15,020 and $704 in total. Additionally, he claimed that he had declared £7000 but had neglected to declare £8020 and $704 on him, according to Magaji.
He claimed to have suffered a loss and was preparing to bring his brother’s body back, which is why he did not make the announcement.
“He turned in his brother’s death certificate, his brother’s photos, and other papers.”
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It was claimed that the defendant provided supporting documentation to back up his argument, such as photos and a death certificate.
EFCC agent Abubakar Magaji told the court that he identified the defendant’s statement, the handing-over letter from the Nigeria Customs Service, the arresting officer’s testimony, and the sums of £8,020 and $704 turned over to the Commission.
All of the cited documents were later offered as evidence by the prosecution’s attorney.
The documents were accepted by Justice Yellim Bogoro, who designated them as Exhibits P1 through P11.
