Drama ensued at the Federal High Court in Lagos State on Wednesday after a businessman, Sunday Okorie, collapsed in court while facing money laundering charges.
Okorie had been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday for allegedly failing to declare $299,000 and being in possession of counterfeit foreign currency.
He initially pleaded not guilty, prompting Justice Deinde Dipeolu to order his remand and adjourn the trial to Wednesday.
When proceedings resumed on Wednesday, Okorie’s lawyer, Uche Okoronkwo, informed the court that his client wished to change his plea to guilty.
EFCC prosecutor, Chineye Okezie, confirmed Okorie’s decision and subsequently withdrew two of the four charges against him. Justice Dipeolu approved the withdrawal and ordered the remaining charges to be read to the defendant.
However, as the court registrar prepared to read the charges and asked Okorie if he understood English, he remained silent. Moments later, he collapsed in the dock.
His wife and daughter, who were present in the courtroom, burst into tears, with Mrs. Okorie crying out for divine intervention.
The EFCC had accused Okorie of attempting to smuggle $299,000, counterfeit $250, and €100 through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.
According to the prosecution, he concealed the foreign currency inside relaxer containers before being intercepted by Nigerian Customs officials on March 19, 2025.
The agency further alleged that the counterfeit $50 notes bore specific serial numbers, and Okorie knowingly possessed the fake money.
The charges were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
As of press time, the court had yet to decide on the next steps following Okorie’s sudden collapse.
