A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the forfeiture of $20,000 confiscated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) from a United States-bound traveler, Olusola Okunfulure, to the Federal Government.
He was arrested on the 28th of march, 2025 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The reason for his arrest was his failure to declare $30,000 while traveling to the U.S and was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Court Ruling
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Justice Dehinde Dipeolu convicted Okunfulure after he pleaded guilty to the charge.
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The judge sentenced him to three months imprisonment.
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Out of the $30,000 seized, $10,000 was returned to him, while $20,000 was forfeited to the Federal Government.
Okunfulure’s lawyer, Joel Ogundire, pleaded for leniency, arguing that his client is a family man of over 15 years and His bank records prove he is engaged in legitimate business. He only saw the declaration form after being cleared by customs. Despite this, the judge ruled in favor of forfeiture while considering Okunfulure’s guilty plea and cooperation.
Under Nigerian law, travelers must declare cash over $10,000 at the airport. Failure to do so can result in forfeiture and legal penalties, as seen in this case.
