The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arraigned Okorie Sylvernus Sunday on a four-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and counterfeiting scam before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Justice Dipeolu ordered the remand of Okorie who was arrested by the Nigerian Custom with $299,000 cash at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

The suspect had arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 19. On arrival, he had approached the Currency Declaration Desk and declared the sum of $279,000. However, an additional sum of $299,000 was found to be neatly concealed in different packages, thereby totaling $578,000.

During further examination, the suspect was found to have also concealed the sum of 100 Euros as well as a counterfeit $250.

The judge made the remand after Okorie took his plea. However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Defence counsel, Uche Okoronkwo, urged court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody. Consequently, Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case till March 26, 2025, for trial.

Earlier when the case was called at 3pm, the defendant’s counsel Okonkwo, told the court that he had not had the opportunity to discuss with his client and that he had not seen the proof of evidence in other to advise the defendant on what he should plead.Okonkwo then urged the court to arraign Okorie on Wednesday (March 26, 2025), adding that he was served the charge sheet at 10:30am.But the prosecution counsel Okezie, said that the charge was defendant served on the defendant since 9am and that the defence counsel has ample time to discuss with his client.

She then asked the court to arraign the defendant today (Tuesday), adding that they had their witness around and that it was already 3:25pm.After listening to both counsel submissions Justice Dipeolu stood the arraignment down you till 4pm, for the arraignment of the defendant.