A dramatic turn of events unfolded at the Federal High Court in Lagos when a businessman, Okorie Sunday, who was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, with $578,000 in cash, collapsed in the courtroom during his trial. The incident disrupted the proceedings as court officials and family members rushed to assist him.
Businessman Slumps During Trial in Lagos Court
Okorie, who is facing money laundering charges, was in court on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, when he suddenly slumped while the court registrar was about to re-read the charges against him.
According to reports from DAILY POST, he was initially arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday on a four-count charge related to currency smuggling and money laundering. He had pleaded not guilty, and the court ordered his remand in custody, setting the trial for the following day.
However, at the resumed hearing, his lawyer, Uche Okoronkwo, requested a change of plea from not guilty to guilty, prompting the judge to withdraw counts three and four while ordering a re-reading of counts one and two.
Courtroom Drama as Okorie Loses Consciousness
As the court registrar prepared to read the revised charges, Okorie was asked whether he understood English. Rather than responding, he collapsed in the dock, causing a commotion. His wife and daughter, who were present in court, broke down in tears as he was quickly rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
Arrest and Seizure of $578,000 at Lagos Airport
The case dates back to March 19, 2025, when Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) intercepted Okorie upon his arrival in Lagos from Johannesburg aboard South African Airways Flight SA60.
At the airport’s currency declaration desk, he reportedly declared only $279,000. However, a routine search uncovered an additional $299,000 concealed in multiple packages, bringing the total sum to $578,000 in cash.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The trial remains in progress, with further proceedings expected once the defendant is medically cleared. The EFCC continues its crackdown on financial crimes, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to anti-money laundering regulations.
Conclusion
This case has sparked renewed conversations around currency smuggling, financial crime regulations, and airport security in Nigeria. With investigations still ongoing, it remains to be seen how the court will handle Okorie Sunday’s case following his unexpected courtroom collapse.
: Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
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