Lagos, Nigeria – May 4, 2025 – Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, sentenced Agudosi Christopher Okechukwu to six months in prison on May 2, 2025.
The court convicted him for failing to declare foreign currencies upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Okechukwu pleaded guilty to money laundering charges, leading to his swift sentencing.
Customs officials arrested Okechukwu in December 2024 after discovering he had concealed £8,020 and $704. Subsequently, the Nigerian Customs Service handed him over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. Authorities confirmed he had initially declared only £7,000, deliberately withholding the remaining funds.
During the trial, which began on April 15, 2025, prosecutors presented evidence of his incomplete declaration. Okechukwu defended his actions, claiming he needed the undeclared money to repatriate his late brother’s remains.
However, the court dismissed his explanation, ruling that his actions violated financial regulations.
Justice Bogoro sentenced him to six months per count, with an option to pay a N200,000 fine for each charge. Additionally, she ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared £8,020 and $704 to the federal government. The EFCC announced the verdict on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stressing the importance of strict compliance with currency laws.
This ruling highlights Nigeria’s commitment to combating money laundering and enforcing financial transparency. Furthermore, it serves as a stern warning to travelers who attempt to bypass currency declaration laws. The EFCC and Customs Service remain vigilant in monitoring such violations.
For more updates on this case and related financial crime news, follow the EFCC’s official communication channels. The commission continues to urge the public to adhere to regulations to avoid similar legal consequences.
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