Nigerian Businessman Collapses in Lagos Court During Money Laundering Trial

A businessman collapsed in a Nigerian court in Lagos on Wednesday while standing in the dock, shortly before he was expected to change his plea to guilty on money laundering charges.

Sunday Okorie had been brought before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, accused of failing to declare $299,000 and possessing counterfeit foreign currency. Following a not guilty plea on Tuesday, Justice Deinde Dipeolu ordered Mr. Okorie to be held in custody until the resumption of his trial on Wednesday.

When the case was called on Wednesday, Mr. Okorie’s lawyer, Uche Okoronkwo, informed the court that his client wished to change his plea to guilty. Mr. Okoronkwo requested that the charges be read to Mr. Okorie again.

The lawyer for Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chineye Okezie, confirmed that Mr. Okorie intended to plead guilty. Ms. Okezie stated that the prosecution would withdraw two of the four charges against him.

Justice Dipeolu agreed to the withdrawal of counts three and four and instructed the court registrar to read counts one and two to the defendant. However, as the registrar began to ask Mr. Okorie if he understood English, the businessman collapsed in the dock.

His wife and daughter, who were present in the courtroom, began to cry. Mr. Okorie’s wife knelt down, calling out to a religious figure.

The EFCC had arraigned Mr. Okorie on four counts related to money laundering and importing counterfeit currency. The prosecutor, Ms. Okezie, told the court that Mr. Okorie had concealed the $299,000, along with counterfeit US dollars and Euros, inside containers of hair relaxer. He allegedly attempted to take these items through the Nigerian Customs Service at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on March 19, 2025.

Ms. Okezie detailed that Mr. Okorie was accused of illegally bringing five counterfeit $50 notes, totalling $250, into Nigeria. She alleged that Mr. Okorie was aware the currency was fake but was still in possession of it.

The charges against Mr. Okorie relate to violations of Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act.

The sudden collapse of Mr. Okorie in court adds a dramatic turn to the proceedings, and it remains unclear how this will affect the ongoing trial.