She informed the court that the two-count charge against the defendant is punishable under Section 3 (5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022.
Onal, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge when it was read to him by the court’s registrar.
Based on the plea, the prosecutor urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in the Nigerian Correctional Services 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.
Imhemuro urged Justice Bogoro to remand the defendant in EFCC custody until the bail application is heard.
While acknowledging the receipt of the bail application at around 9:03 am, Buhari requested a short adjournment to review and respond.
After listening to the lawyers, the judge adjourned the case to 16 January for the bail hearing and ordered that the defendant be kept in NCoS custody pending the bail hearing.
The charge accused Onal of failing to declare $800,575 and €651,505 at the airport, thereby violating the Money Laundering Act.
