A Federal High Court in Lagos, Nigeria has ordered the forfeiture of $20,000 seized by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) from Olusola Okunfulure, a United States-bound passenger who failed to declare the money. The ruling was made on March 29, 2025, after Okunfulure pleaded guilty to charges of failing to declare the funds at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Okunfulure was arrested by NCS officials on March 28, 2025, as he was boarding a flight to the U.S. carrying $30,000, which he did not declare. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a one-count charge against him. During his prosecution, Okunfulure’s counsel, Joel Ogundire, requested the court to show mercy, citing his long-standing family commitment and legitimate business background.
Despite the plea, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu convicted Okunfulure, sentencing him to three months in prison. The court also ordered the forfeiture of $20,000 to the Federal Government and returned $10,000 to the defendant, taking into account his cooperation and mitigating factors.
