A dramatic scene unfolded in a Lagos Federal High Court as businessman Sunday Okorie collapsed while standing in the dock, just moments before he was to change his plea to guilty on charges of failing to declare $299,000 and possessing counterfeit currency. Hobnob News reports on the unexpected turn of events.
Okorie, who was arraigned on Tuesday, had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, on Wednesday, his lawyer, Uche Okoronkwo, informed the court that his client wished to change his plea. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer, Chineye Okezie, confirmed this intention, and agreed to withdraw counts three and four of the charges.
As the court registrar prepared to read counts one and two to Okorie, he paused to ask if Okorie understood English. Before he could respond, Okorie collapsed, sending his wife and daughter, who were present in the courtroom, into distress.
The EFCC had charged Okorie with four counts related to money laundering and importing counterfeit currency. Prosecutor Chineye Okezie alleged that Okorie concealed $299,000, counterfeit $250, and €100 within relaxer containers, attempting to bring them through the Nigerian Customs Service at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja on March 19, 2025.
Additionally, Okorie was accused of illegally bringing five counterfeit $50 notes into Nigeria, with serial numbers MB67951730 D, MB93612802 A, MB67957416 D, MB67957308 D, and MB121997428 C. Okezie asserted that Okorie was aware the notes were counterfeit.
The EFCC stated that Okorie’s actions violated Sections 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Sections 3(1)(a), 5(1)(b), and (2) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The sudden collapse of Okorie in the courtroom has added a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings. The court will now have to address both the legal charges and the defendant’s health. Hobnob News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
