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 READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, faces ₦110 billion fraud charges as the EFCC presents its first witness in court. Read the full details of the corruption trial. Introduction The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over alleged ₦110 billion fraud has taken a new turn as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its first witness in court. Justice Maryann Anenih dismissed objections raised by Bello and his co-defendants, paving the way for the trial to proceed. EFCC’s First Witness Testifies in Court On Wednesday, the EFCC brought forward its first witness, Fabian Nwaora, a real estate businessman, to testify in the 16-count money laundering charge against the former governor. Despite objections from the defense counsel, who argued that the prosecution had failed to provide all necessary evidence, Justice Anenih ruled that the trial should continue, citing the absence of a formal application to support the objection. Property Sale and EFCC Investigation During his testimony, Nwaora, the owner of EFAB Property, revealed details of a real estate transaction linked to the case. According to him, in 2020, his company sold a property at No. 1 Ikobosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, to Shehu Bello for ₦550 million. However, in 2023, Shehu Bello returned all documents related to the property, informing the company that the EFCC had launched an investigation. Subsequently, Nwaora was summoned by the anti-graft agency and was instructed to refund the money to an account designated by the EFCC. Allegations Against Yahaya Bello and Co-Defendants Yahaya Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is standing trial alongside two government officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The charge sheet (CR/7781) accuses them of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and illegal acquisition of properties. List of Allegedly Illicit Properties The EFCC alleges that the former governor diverted state funds to acquire multiple high-value properties, including: Additionally, the EFCC alleged that Bello and his associates transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States. They are also accused of illegally acquiring ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited. Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions Following his arraignment, Yahaya Bello was remanded in Kuje Prison on December 10, 2024. However, while his co-defendants were granted bail earlier, he was later admitted to bail under the following conditions: The case has been adjourned until April 3, 2025, for further hearings. Conclusion The EFCC’s case against Yahaya Bello is one of Nigeria’s most significant corruption trials in recent times. As proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the court’s next decision regarding the former governor’s fate. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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A Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled the arraignment of Gbolahan Obanikoro, the son of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, for February 27, 2025. He, along with four others, is facing charges related to an alleged ₦1.356 billion fraud. The other individuals set for arraignment include Adejare Adegbenro (51), Balmoral International Limited, M.O.B. Integrated Limited, and DDSS International Company Limited. They are accused of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretenses, false representation, and fraud in a case with five charges. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa set the date on January 24, after the defendants failed to appear in court for their original arraignment. During the proceedings, prosecution lawyer Momoh Bello requested a bench warrant for the accused, as they had already been served notices. However, Joshua Abel, representing the fourth defendant (a company), opposed the bench warrant request. He argued that his client had only received the service notice late and that the directors, who are abroad, had not been adequately informed. Upon reviewing the proof of service, Justice Lewis-Allagoa ruled that the first and second defendants, who are individuals, had not been properly served. However, there was evidence of service for the third and fourth defendants. The court directed the prosecution to regularize the service for the remaining parties. The Inspector General of Police, through the Special Fraud Unit in Ikoyi, Lagos, has accused the defendants and others still at large of conspiring between May and September 2013 to fraudulently acquire ₦1.356 billion from Access Bank Plc (formerly Diamond Bank). The police allege that the accused misrepresented their intentions by claiming the funds were needed to import cars from Dubai for resale, but instead, they allegedly diverted the money for personal use, knowing it was the product of illegal activity. The offences are alleged to violate Section 8(i)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offenses Act (No. 14 of 2006) and Sections 18(2)(b) and (d) as well as 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The ICPC has filed a five-count money laundering charge against Jimi Lawal, former aide to Kaduna’s ex-governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Read more about the allegations and court proceedings. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a five-count charge of money laundering against Jimi Lawal, a former Senior Special Adviser to the ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai. The case also involves three other defendants: Umar Waziri, Yusuf Inuwa, and Solar Life Nigeria Limited. The ICPC filed the charges at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, under case number FCH/KD/16c/2025, on January 15. Dr. Osuobeni Ekpi Akponimishingha, the Assistant Chief Legal Officer of the ICPC, presented the charges. Allegations Against Jimi Lawal The ICPC accuses Jimi Lawal of embezzling public funds during his tenure as a Senior Special Adviser/Counsellor to the former governor. The charges outline several instances of alleged misappropriation: The ICPC asserts that Jimi Lawal knowingly handled funds derived from corrupt activities, violating Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, punishable under Section 18(3) of the same act. False Statements and Further Allegations In October 2024, during an ICPC investigation, Lawal allegedly provided false information. He claimed that the total sum of ₦64,800,562—received in three separate transactions (₦10,000,000, ₦47,840,000, and ₦7,320,562)—was disbursed as estacode to government officials Bariatu Yusuf Mohammed and Aisha Dikko. The ICPC maintains that this statement was false, constituting an offence under Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the same act. Broader Implications This case highlights the ICPC’s commitment to tackling corruption in Nigeria and ensuring accountability among public officials. The trial of Jimi Lawal and his co-defendants will serve as a critical test of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the EFCC approval to freeze 24 bank accounts over alleged involvement in terrorism financing and money laundering. Court Approves EFCC’s Motion to Freeze 24 Bank Accounts Over Terrorism Financing Abuja, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze 24 bank accounts across various financial institutions over allegations of terrorism financing. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s request following an ex-parte motion moved by the commission’s counsel, Martha Babatunde. The accounts will remain frozen for 90 days, enabling the EFCC to conclude its investigations into the matter. Allegations and Investigation Details The ex-parte motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024, was filed by senior advocate Ekele Iheanacho. The accounts under investigation are owned by Lawrence Lucky Eromosele, who is allegedly linked to kidnapping and money laundering activities. According to preliminary investigations, these accounts have been used by individuals exploiting cryptocurrency platforms to manipulate the naira’s value and launder illicit funds. Mohammed Khalil, an investigator with the EFCC’s Special Investigation Team under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), affirmed the ongoing probe. Threats to Security Personnel Khalil disclosed that the EFCC launched the investigation after directives from National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. A syndicate had threatened senior NSA operatives and their families, demanding ransom payments while sharing sensitive personal details like home addresses and movements. The investigation identified Eromosele as a key suspect, with bank accounts linked to these criminal activities. Khalil provided evidence, including chat logs and bank statements, to substantiate the claims. Court Ruling Justice Nwite approved the EFCC’s request to freeze the accounts, citing the need to preserve funds linked to terrorism and money laundering until the investigation concludes. The matter is set for a follow-up hearing on March 24, 2025. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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A Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) request to freeze 67 bank accounts linked to an alleged ₦52.9 million fraud case. Key Highlights:Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s application after the agency’s counsel, Martha Babatunde, presented an ex-parte motion. The motion, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1895/V/2024, sought permission to halt transactions in these accounts pending the conclusion of investigations. The accounts, domiciled in various banks, reportedly contain proceeds of a crime linked to unauthorized withdrawals and internet fraud. Details of the Case The investigation began following a criminal petition submitted to the EFCC on October 17, 2023, by Advance Development Services Engineering Limited (ADSEL). The complaint accused Taiwo Abubakar Oluwajuwon and Heasy Enterprises of fraudulent activities involving ₦52.9 million. According to the EFCC’s investigator, Ikenna Chukwueze, a preliminary investigation revealed: The EFCC presented several exhibits to support their findings, including account statements of the alleged beneficiaries and details of the transactions. EFCC’s Request The EFCC argued that freezing the accounts is essential to prevent the dissipation of the fraud proceeds while investigations continue. Justice Nwite approved the application, noting its merit, and set the next hearing date for March 24, 2024. Investigation Insights Chukwueze disclosed that a BVN search revealed additional accounts linked to the suspects, further complicating the case. Key findings include: The EFCC emphasized that freezing these accounts is critical to preserving the funds while investigations proceed. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to a new 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Bello, currently in custody at Kuje prison, is accused of involvement in an N80.2 billion fraud during his tenure from 2016 to 2024. Key Allegations Against Yahaya Bello The EFCC alleges that Bello utilized five proxies to purchase luxury properties in Abuja and Dubai using funds sourced illegally. The anti-corruption agency further accused him of attempting to conceal over N3 billion through his associates. In addition, Bello is charged with transferring $700,000 to a U.S.-based account, a violation of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act. The EFCC claims that this act constitutes a breach of public trust, punishable under Sections 18(a) and (c), and Section 15 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act. Other individuals implicated in the case include Ali Bello (the former governor’s nephew), Dauda Suleiman, Shehu Bello, Rabiu Musa, and Abdulsalam Hudu, who is reportedly at large. Bail Plea and Legal Defense Bello’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) J.B. Daudu, urged the court to grant him bail, assuring that he would not flee the country. Daudu emphasized Bello’s history as a two-term governor who traveled only twice during his tenure, portraying him as a law-abiding citizen. In his defense, Bello explained his earlier absence from court, stating it was due to legal measures to challenge the court’s jurisdiction over the case. “It was not an act of disrespect but a legal approach to defend myself,” Bello said. EFCC’s Stance on Bail Request The EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, expressed no objection to the bail request but recommended strict conditions to ensure Bello’s attendance throughout the trial. Previous Charges This latest case follows a separate 16-count charge, for which Justice Maryann Anenih of an Abuja High Court had remanded Bello to Kuje prison. Meta Description Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello pleads not guilty to EFCC’s 19-count fraud charge, with allegations of N80.2 billion fraud and money laundering. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
