Federal high court orders forfeiture of $20,000 from traveler for customs violation

LAGOS, Nigeria - A Federal High Court in Lagos has mandated the forfeiture of $20,000 seized by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) from a traveler bound for the United States, Olusola Okunfulure, to the Federal Government.

Okunfulure was apprehended by NCS officials on March 28, 2025, during the customs clearance of passengers from a flight heading to the U.S. at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, due to his failure to declare the funds.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu issued the forfeiture ruling during Okunfulure's prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC, represented by counsel Chineye Okezie, who was assisted by Felicia Paul, presented a one-count charge against Okunfulure.

He admitted guilt to the charge, but after his plea, his defense attorney, Joel Ogundire, made a plea for leniency on behalf of Okunfulure, requesting that some of the seized money be returned to him.

Ogundire stated, “He has been a family man for over 15 years. His bank records clearly indicate that he is engaged in legitimate business. He was presented with the declaration form after being cleared. We have no objection to forfeiting $20,000 out of the $30,000 as required by law.”

Upon reviewing the case, the judge asked the EFCC to provide evidence against the defendant. Paul, while detailing the EFCC's findings, confirmed her familiarity with the defendant.

She stated: “On March 28, the Nigeria Customs Service apprehended the defendant at Murtala Muhammed International Airport while he was on his way to America.

He possessed $30,000 that he did not declare. He was transferred to the Commission with the entire amount of $30,000.”

Justice Dipeolu upheld the EFCC’s case and found Okunfulure guilty, sentencing him to three months in prison. The judge ordered that $10,000 be returned to the defendant, explaining: “I have taken into account the convict’s plea as well as the fact that he did not delay the court proceedings and all mitigating factors; therefore, I order the forfeiture of $20,000 to the Federal Government of Nigeria and impose a three-month imprisonment sentence on him.”