The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission today October 19th, 2018 secured the conviction one Haytham Aldahrah, a Lebanese who was arrested at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport while on board Egypt Air to Cairo for refusing to declare the sum of $105,000 and €65,000 respectively to the Nigeria Customs Service.
Upon his arrest, Aldahrah declared the sum of $95,000 (Ninety Five Thousand Dollars) but after search was conducted on him, it was discovered that he was carrying another sum of $105,000 (One Hundred and Five Thousand Dollars) which he concealed to the authorities.
When the convict was arraigned on the 16th of October, 2018, he pleaded not guilty to the two count charge but later changed his plea on the 18th of October, 2018 from not guilty to guilty.
In view of his latest plea, prosecution counsel, Mohammed Gambo urged the court to convict him accordingly.
Justice Allagoa granted the prayer of the prosecution and convicted the defendant on two count charge but reserved sentence to today, October 19th, 2018.
In his judgment, Justice Allagoa sentenced the convict to forfeit 50% each of the undeclared sum he was found with. The total amount forfeited to the Federal Government amounted to $52,550 (Fifty Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty Dollars) and €32,250 (Thirty Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Euros).