The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched an investigation into a man, Okorie Sunday, who was arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service for false currency declaration at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Sunday was apprehended on March 19, 2025, after arriving from Johannesburg, South Africa. He initially declared $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk, but a search of his belongings uncovered an additional $299,000 hidden in various packages, bringing the total amount to $578,000. Authorities also found €100 and a fake $250 bill in his possession.
The EFCC officially took over the case on March 21, 2025, after the NCS Area Comptroller at the airport handed over the suspect. The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed this in a statement on Saturday.
During the handover, an NCS official, Harrison, explained that the suspect violated the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, which requires travelers to declare any amount above $10,000 when entering or leaving Nigeria.
Ahmed Ghali, the acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, praised the Customs Service for its cooperation and warned the public against false currency declarations.
“We are here today to take over one passenger coming from South Africa for falsely declaring the cash he was carrying along. I want members of the public to be aware of this kind of act. It is mandatory for anyone traveling in or out of Nigeria to declare any cash above $10,000, as required by our laws, especially the money laundering law,” Ghali stated.
He also warned that failure to declare foreign currency could harm Nigeria’s financial reputation and increase the risk of money laundering.
“We will not allow anyone to sabotage the economy or the financial system. This kind of act exposes the country to risks, including money laundering, and gives Nigeria a bad reputation globally. We will continue to work together to protect the economy and the financial sector,” he added.
The EFCC has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and necessary legal actions will follow.
