EFCC Investigates Passenger Caught with $578,000 at Lagos Airport

• EFCC Probes Passenger Arrested at Lagos Airport with Undeclared $578,000
• Customs Hands Over Suspect with Hidden Cash to Anti-Graft Agency
• Officials Warn Against False Currency Declarations, Cite Money Laundering Risks

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into Okorie Sunday, who was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, for false currency declaration.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Sunday was arrested on March 19, 2025, upon arrival from Johannesburg, South Africa.

While he initially declared $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk, a subsequent search uncovered an additional $299,000 concealed in various packages, bringing the total sum to $578,000. Authorities also discovered €100 and a counterfeit $250 in his possession.

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In a statement on Saturday, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 officially took over the case on March 21, 2025, after the NCS Area Comptroller at the airport handed over the suspect.

During the handover, NCS official Harrison stated that Sunday’s actions violated the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, which requires inbound and outbound passengers to declare any amount exceeding $10,000.

Speaking on behalf of the EFCC, acting Zonal Director Ahmed Ghali commended the NCS for its cooperation, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating financial crimes.

“We are here today to take custody of a passenger from South Africa who falsely declared the cash he was carrying. Members of the public must be aware that it is mandatory to declare any cash exceeding $10,000 when entering or leaving the country, as stipulated by the money laundering law,” Ghali said.

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He warned against false or non-declaration of foreign currency, stressing that such offenses threaten Nigeria’s financial integrity.

“We will not tolerate any attempt to sabotage the economy or the financial system. Acts like this expose the country to money laundering risks and damage Nigeria’s global reputation. We will continue working with relevant agencies to safeguard the economy and financial sector,” Ghali added.

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