Court Adjourns Trial Of Woman Accused Of Concealing Foreign Currency At Lagos Airport

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned to August 19, 2025, the trial of Phil-Olumba Ifunanya Sheila, who is facing charges of failing to declare foreign currencies totaling $14,567, £1,030, and 40 Canadian dollars at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The adjournment followed the testimony of Mrs. Stella John Ogar, an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, who appeared as a prosecution witness and was led in evidence by counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Okezie Chineye.

Ogar told the court that the defendant was intercepted during inward clearance from the United Kingdom. According to her, Sheila declared only CA$4,000 despite being in possession of CA$14,000.

“We arrested her and handed her over to the EFCC for further investigation,” Ogar testified.

The second prosecution witness, EFCC operative Felicia Paul, confirmed receiving the defendant from Customs. She told the court that Sheila was interrogated and offered to make a written statement, which the prosecution sought to tender.

However, defence counsel Edwin Anikwem objected, arguing that the statement was not obtained voluntarily and without the presence of a lawyer, contrary to legal requirements.

Justice Dipeolu, sitting as vacation judge, adjourned further hearing to August 19.

She was remanded into prison custody after pleading not guilty to the charges

The EFCC has filed a three-count charge against Sheila under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, alleging false declarations and failure to declare foreign currency.

The charges state that on July 22, 2025, at the Lagos airport, Sheila:

1. Falsely declared $4,000 to Customs while in possession of $14,567.
2. Failed to declare 40 Canadian dollars.
3. Falsely declared £1,000 while in possession of £1,030.

Each count is said to be contrary to and punishable under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.