A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Ifunanya Phil-Olumba at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over allegations of making false and incomplete declarations of foreign currency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed three counts against the defendant, accusing her of failing to declare, and falsely declaring, foreign currency totaling $14,567, £1,030, and CA$40, in contravention of Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
At Wednesday’s proceedings before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, the prosecution, led by Okezie Chineye, called two witnesses.
The first witness, a Nigeria Customs Service officer, Mrs. Stella Ogar, testified that the defendant was intercepted during inward clearance from the United Kingdom.
Ogar said Phil-Olumba declared only CA$4,000 despite allegedly having CA$14,000, along with other undeclared sums.
“She was arrested and handed over to the EFCC for further investigation,” Ogar told the court.
The second witness, EFCC operative Felicia Paul, confirmed receiving the defendant from Customs and said Phil-Olumba made a written statement during interrogation.
The prosecution sought to tender this statement in evidence, but defence counsel, Edwin Anikwem, objected, arguing it was not made voluntarily and without legal representation.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case until August 19 for continuation of trial.
READ ALSO
- AFCON 2027Q: Super Eagles may face Tanzania at Teslim Balogun Stadium
- NASFAT: Cleric urges Nigerians to unite against insecurity, division
- EFCC arraigns Nigerian-American over $680,000 car fraud
- EFCC charges aluminium firm over alleged N582m money laundering
- Al-Qaeda backed Ansaru’s Oyo school abductions to free detained leaders, witness tells court
According to the EFCC, the alleged offences occurred on July 22, 2025, at the Lagos airport, where the defendant is said to have falsely declared $4,000 while in possession of $14,567; failed to declare CA$40; and falsely declared £1,000 while in possession of £1,030.
