A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Ifunanya Phil-Olumba at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over allegations of false and incomplete foreign currency declarations totalling $14,567, £1,030, and CA$40.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Phil-Olumba with three counts bordering on making false declarations to the Nigeria Customs Service and failing to declare foreign currency, offences which violate Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
At Wednesday’s proceedings before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, prosecution counsel Okezie Chineye presented two witnesses. The first, Nigeria Customs Service officer Mrs. Stella Ogar, told the court that the defendant was intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport during inward clearance from the United Kingdom.
According to Ogar, Phil-Olumba declared only CA$4,000 but was allegedly in possession of CA$14,000, in addition to other undeclared sums. “We arrested her and handed her over to the EFCC for further investigation,” Ogar testified.
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The second prosecution witness, EFCC operative Felicia Paul, confirmed that the defendant was transferred to the commission by customs officials. She stated that Phil-Olumba opted to provide a written statement during interrogation. However, defence counsel Edwin Anikwem objected to its admissibility, arguing it was not obtained voluntarily and without legal representation, contrary to procedure.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter to August 19, 2025, for continuation of trial.
According to EFCC’s charge sheet, the incident occurred on July 22, 2025, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, where the defendant allegedly declared $4,000 while carrying $14,567; failed to declare CA$40; and declared £1,000 while holding £1,030.
The EFCC maintains the offences contravene anti-money laundering laws aimed at curbing illicit financial flows. If convicted, Phil-Olumba faces significant penalties under Nigerian law.
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