Agudosi Christopher Okechukwu was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with failing to declare foreign currency in his possession totaling £8,020 and $704 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja when he appeared before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday.
When Okechukwu tried to fly with the unreported money in December 2024, he was caught by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) agents. After his arrest, the case was sent over to the EFCC for additional examination.
The defendant is charged with money laundering on two counts.
In violation of Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, Okechukwu allegedly failed to disclose £8,020 to NCS authorities at the airport on December 10, 2024.
According to the count, “On December 10, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, you, Agudosi Christopher Okechukwu, failed to declare the sum of £8,020 to the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, and thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
On the other hand, Okechukwu entered a guilty plea to the charges.
EFCC agent Abubakar Magaji gave the court the case’s facts, stating that the defendant had first declared only £7,000 but had neglected to reveal that he also had £8,020 and $704 in his hands.
Okechukwu further informed the court that he was in mental pain after losing his brother recently and that’s why he forgot to declare the remaining cash.
His remarks were cautiously recorded. “I was arrested at the MMIA Airport with a total of £15,020 and $704,” he said. Magaji added, “He claimed that he declared £7000 but neglected to declare £8020 and $704 on him.”
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He stated that he did not make the declaration because he was going to bring his brother’s body back and claimed to have experienced a loss.
“Among other documents, he submitted his brother’s death certificate and his brother’s photos.”
In order to bolster his explanation, the defendant allegedly provided supporting documentation, such as images and a death certificate.
EFCC agent Abubakar Magaji presented the court with the defendant’s statement, the Nigeria Customs Service handing-over letter, the arresting officer’s statement, and the £8,020 and $704 that were given to the Commission.
The prosecution’s attorney then requested that all of the cited documents be submitted as evidence.
After approving the documents, Justice Yellim Bogoro designated them as Exhibits P1 through P11.
