Man Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Smuggling Undeclared $299,000 and 100 Euros into Nigeria, Collapses in Court Before Conviction
LAGOS – Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday sentenced Okorie Sunday to six months in prison for laundering $299,000 and 100 Euros into the country without declaration.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of the seized funds to the Federal Government after the Nigerian Customs Service intercepted the cash at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on March 19.
During the trial, an EFCC prosecutor, Chineye Okezie, led testimony from Customs officer Nanaowe Tonbo, who recounted how Okorie declared only $225,000 at the airport despite carrying four bags. A search later revealed a total of $578,000, of which $299,000 was undeclared.
An EFCC operative further testified that Customs handed over Okorie and the cash to the commission for investigation.
At a resumed hearing, Okorie, who initially pleaded not guilty, sought to change his plea following an amendment to the charges. However, before the amended charges could be read, he collapsed in the dock, causing a brief delay in proceedings.
Justice Dipeolu ultimately convicted and sentenced Okorie, sealing his fate in the currency smuggling case.
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