Businessman Collapses In Court During Trial For Alleged Money Laundering

Breaking Down the Case: A Sudden Collapse in Court

On a fateful Wednesday morning, a dramatic turn of events unfolded in the Federal High Court in Lagos. Okorie Sunday, a businessman who was arrested on March 19, 2025, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, with $578,000 in cash, suddenly collapsed during his trial. This shocking incident sent ripples through the courtroom, leaving everyone speechless.

The trial commenced promptly at 8:30 a.m., and the court was buzzing with anticipation as Okorie was brought in to face the charges against him. As the court registrar was about to re-read the charges to him, something unexpected happened. Okorie, who had been standing in the dock, suddenly slumped forward, collapsing right there in front of everyone. The courtroom erupted into chaos as his family, including his wife and daughter, burst into tears.

The Journey to the Dock: A Brief Recap

Before this shocking moment, Okorie’s case had already taken several twists and turns. The day before, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned him at the same court on four counts of alleged money laundering and currency scam. The case was presided over by Justice Deinde Dipeolu, who ensured that the proceedings were fair and transparent.

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When asked how he pleaded, Okorie confidently stated that he was not guilty. However, things moved quickly after that. Both parties agreed to an accelerated trial, and the court decided to remand Okorie in custody, setting the stage for his trial the following day.

A Change of Heart: Guilty Plea in the Making

When the court reconvened on Wednesday morning, Okorie was once again brought to the dock. This time, however, his legal counsel, Uche Okoronkwo, informed the court that his client wanted to change his plea from not guilty to guilty. It was a significant shift in the case, one that had the potential to change everything.

Okoronkwo requested that the charges be read to Okorie again, emphasizing the importance of clarity and understanding in the legal process. The EFCC’s counsel, Chineye Okezie, confirmed that Okorie indeed wished to plead guilty. In response, the commission decided to withdraw counts three and four, focusing solely on counts one and two.

Justice Dipeolu agreed with the decision and ordered the court registrar to read counts one and two to the defendant. But before the registrar could even begin, the unthinkable happened. The registrar asked Okorie if he understood English, a standard question to ensure comprehension. Instead of responding, Okorie suddenly collapsed, shocking everyone in the courtroom.

What Happened Next?

As the courtroom descended into chaos, Okorie’s wife and daughter were visibly distraught, their cries echoing through the room. Court officials quickly sprang into action, rushing Okorie to the hospital for immediate medical attention. The matter was subsequently stood down, and the court adjourned the proceedings until further notice.

This case highlights the complexities and unpredictability of the legal system. While we wait for updates on Okorie’s condition, one thing is clear: the courtroom is not just a place for justice but also a stage where human drama unfolds in unexpected ways. Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to develop.

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