The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into the movement of undeclared foreign currencies totaling $6,180 and £53,415 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Terminal 2, Lagos.
The EFCC disclosed this in a statement on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday.
Two suspects, identified as Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, were intercepted by personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) during a routine check as they attempted to board an Aero Contractors flight.
According to the EFCC, the suspects claimed to be security operatives escorting a detainee along with the money as “exhibits.” However, the agency noted that both men had just arrived in Nigeria from Dubai via Addis Ababa and were en route to Abuja when they were arrested for failing to declare the cash, as required by law.
Initially handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), the suspects were later transferred to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Three mobile phones were also seized from the suspects during the arrest. The EFCC confirmed that the suspects and the recovered items were formally received by CSE Margaret Lamai on behalf of the acting Zonal Director of Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Ahmed Ghali.
“Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, EFCC, have commenced investigations into two travellers arrested by FAAN operatives for allegedly failing to declare cash sums of $6,180 and £53,415. Three mobile phones were also recovered,” the statement read.
Advertisement
