The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, March 17, 2022, arraigned Okeke Ugochukwu Onyedikachukwu before Justice I.M Buba of the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu, Enugu State on one count charge bordering on under declaration of foreign currency.
Specifically, Onyedikachukwu, while on a trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on March 9, 2020, declared to the Customs officials at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, that he had in his possession the sum of $54,600(Fifty-Four Thousand, Six Hundred Dollars only), while he actually had in his possession alongside the declared fund, the sum of £12,000 (Twelve Thousand Pounds Sterling).
The lone- count charge read: “That you, OKEKE UGOCHUKWU ONYEDIKACHUKWU on or about the 9th Day of March,2022 at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, while transporting cash in the sum of $54,600 (Fifty Four Thousand ,Six Hundred United States Dollars) & £12,000(Twelve Thousand Pounds) from Nigeria to Dubai falsely declared to the Nigeria Customs Services , the sum of $54,600 Fifty Four Thousand ,Six Hundred United States Dollars) instead of the sum of $54,600 Fifty Four Thousand ,Six Hundred United States Dollars) and £12,000(Twelve Thousand Pounds) as required under Section 12 of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions )n Act Cap F34 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 2(5) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act,2012.”
Onyedikachukwu pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him, prompting prosecution counsel, George Adebola to pray for accelerated hearing of the matter and the remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Justice Buba granted the defendant bail in the tune of N100Million (N100, 000, 000) and a surety in like sum. The surety must be resident in Enugu with landed properties in Enugu. The Surety must also deposit his International Passport, two recent passport photographs, with the court and must be verified by the Court Registrar.
The Judge also ruled that the defendant must undertake not to delay trial or travel without the court’s approval. The case was adjourned till April 6 and 7, 2022 for hearing.