Court Jails Businessman 6 Months for Failing to Declare £8,020 and $704 at Lagos Airport

EFCC Secures Conviction in Money Laundering Case

Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced businessman Agudosi Okechukwu to six months imprisonment for failing to declare £8,020 and $704 to Nigerian Customs officials at Lagos Airport.

Details of the Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Okechukwu on two counts of money laundering. The convict pleaded guilty to the charges, leading to his immediate sentencing.

According to court documents, Okechukwu was arrested in December 2024 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport by Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) operatives. The undeclared funds were discovered during routine checks.

Charges and Sentencing

One charge read: “That you, Agudosi Christopher Okechukwu, on December 10, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, failed to declare the sum of £8,020 to the Nigerian Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

EFCC operative Abubakar Magaji testified that Okechukwu had £15,020 and $704 in total but only declared £7,000. The convict claimed the undeclared funds were meant to transport his deceased brother’s body to Nigeria.

Court’s Decision

Justice Bogoro sentenced Okechukwu to six months imprisonment on both counts, with an option of N200,000 fine for each count. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the seized funds to the federal government.

This case serves as a strong warning about Nigeria’s strict currency declaration laws at international borders. The EFCC continues to collaborate with customs officials to combat money laundering and illicit financial flows.

Full credit to the original publisher: Leadership News