The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC), located in Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, has called two
witnesses — Sandra John Ogar and Felicia Paul — in the trial of Phil-Olumba
Ifunanya Sheila before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi.
Sheila was reportedly stopped by Nigeria Customs Service
(NCS) officers during a routine check on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Murtala
Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. Authorities allege she failed to declare
a total of $14,567 (Fourteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty-Seven U.S.
Dollars), £1,030 (One Thousand and Thirty British Pounds), and CA$40 (Forty
Canadian Dollars) in her possession.
Following the interception, she was handed over to the EFCC
for investigation and, on July 24, 2025, arraigned on a three-count charge for
failing to declare the funds. Sheila pleaded not guilty, prompting the
commencement of trial proceedings.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, August 14, 2025, the
first prosecution witness, Ogar, a Customs officer, told the court that Sheila
had arrived from the United Kingdom and declared only $4,000 despite carrying
$14,567. Ogar said she was detained and transferred to the EFCC.
The second witness, Paul, an EFCC investigator, testified
that the defendant was received from the NCS and interrogated, during which she
made a written statement.
The prosecution, led by Chineye Okezie, sought to admit the
statement into evidence. However, defence counsel Edwin Anikwem objected,
claiming the statement was obtained without legal representation and was not
made voluntarily.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Dipeolu
adjourned the matter to August 19, 2025, for continued hearing and ordered that
Sheila be remanded in a correctional facility.
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