A dramatic scene unfolded in a Lagos courtroom on Wednesday when Sunday Okorie, a businessman accused of failing to declare $299,000 and possessing counterfeit foreign currency, collapsed while standing in the dock.
Okorie had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges on Tuesday, but his lawyer, Uche Okoronkwo, informed the court on Wednesday that his client wished to change his plea to guilty.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor, Chineye Okezie, confirmed Okorie’s decision and requested the withdrawal of counts three and four.
Just as the court registrar was about to read the charges again, Okorie failed to respond when asked if he understood English.
Seconds later, he collapsed, prompting his wife and daughter, who were in attendance, to break down in tears.
The EFCC had arraigned Okorie on four counts related to money laundering and importing counterfeit currency. According to Okezie, Okorie hid the $299,000.
The EFCC had arraigned Okorie on four counts related to money laundering and importing counterfeit currency.
According to Okezie, Okorie hid the $299,000, counterfeit $250, and €100 inside relaxer containers and attempted to smuggle them through the Nigerian Customs Service at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.
Okorie allegedly committed the offense on March 19, 2025, and was aware that the money was counterfeit.
The offenses violated sections of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.