An Austrian national, Kavlak Onal, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before the Federal High Court in Lagos for failing to declare foreign currencies worth $800,575 and €651,505, totaling approximately N2.28 billion.
The EFCC prosecutor, Bilikisu Buhari, informed Justice Yellim Bogoro that Onal was apprehended with the money at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Anti-Money Laundering Unit.
Buhari stated that the two-count charge against Onal is punishable under Section 3 (5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge when it was read to him by the court’s registrar.
Following the plea, the prosecutor requested the court to set a trial date and remand Onal in the Nigerian Correctional Services, NCoS, pending trial.
Defence lawyer, Sterlin Imhemuro, informed the court that a bail application had been filed on behalf of his client and served on the prosecution. He asked Justice Bogoro to remand Onal in EFCC custody until the bail application is heard.
While acknowledging receipt of the bail application, Buhari requested a short adjournment to review and respond.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the judge adjourned the case to January 16 for the bail hearing and ordered that Onal remain in NCoS custody until then.
The charge alleges that Onal failed to declare $800,575 and €651,505 at the airport, in violation of the Money Laundering Act.
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