The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened an investigation into Okorie Sunday, who was arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for attempting to smuggle $578,000 into the country.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed in a statement on Saturday in Abuja that the suspect is under investigation and will face prosecution upon its completion.
According to Effiong Harrison, the Area Comptroller of Customs at the airport, Sunday flew in from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday and declared only $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk. However, a thorough search by Customs officials uncovered an additional $299,000 hidden in different packages, leading to his arrest.
Further scrutiny revealed that the suspect also had €100 and a fake $250 note, violating Nigeria’s currency declaration laws.
Condemning the act, Harrison, speaking on behalf of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 mandates travelers to declare sums exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent upon entering or leaving the country. He confirmed that the seized funds would be transferred to the EFCC for further action.
Receiving the suspect, Ahmed Ghali, EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director in Lagos, commended Customs for their vigilance and emphasized the commission’s resolve to curb financial crimes.
“We will not allow any action that threatens the country’s economy or financial stability. False currency declarations contribute to money laundering and economic instability,” Ghali warned.
He urged travelers to comply with financial regulations, stating that violating currency declaration laws damages Nigeria’s international reputation.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies to safeguard the nation’s financial integrity and ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law.
