Agudosi Christopher Okechukwu was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday for allegedly failing to declare foreign currency in his possession at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA). Okechukwu was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in December 2024 while attempting to travel with £8,020 and $704, which he did not declare to customs officials.
Okechukwu pleaded guilty to a two-count charge related to money laundering, specifically violating Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. EFCC operative Abubakar Magaji presented the facts, stating that Okechukwu initially declared only £7,000 but failed to disclose the additional £8,020 and $704. Okechukwu claimed he forgot to declare the remaining funds due to emotional distress following the recent loss of his brother, submitting a death certificate and other documents as evidence.
Justice Yellim Bogoro admitted the documents as exhibits, including Okechukwu’s statement, the handing-over note from the Nigeria Customs Service, and the arresting officer’s statement. The case highlights ongoing efforts to enforce regulations against money laundering and the importance of declaring foreign currencies at ports of entry.
