Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have opened an investigation into one Duru Ikechukwu Damian, who was arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, for allegedly failing to declare a total sum of $59,000 in his possession.
Damian was intercepted by Customs officers during a routine check at the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism, AML/CFT, Currency Declaration Desk at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, August 11, 2025.
The suspect, who was set to board an Emirates Airline flight to Dubai, initially claimed he was carrying only $10,000. However, a subsequent search revealed an additional $49,000 concealed, bringing the total to $59,000.
While handing the suspect over to the EFCC on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the NCS Airport Area Comptroller, E. I. Harrison, stressed that the agency had consistently sensitised travellers on the legal requirement to declare all foreign currency in excess of the stipulated limit.
“Today, we are continuing a process we have maintained over time, when we intercept undeclared currencies, we hand them over to the appropriate agencies for further action.
“We have carried out public sensitisation, and announcements are regularly made at the airport, alongside electronic signages reminding travellers to declare their currencies. Yet, from time to time, we encounter people who disregard these laws,” Harrison said.
Receiving the suspect, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Directorate 2, ACE I Ahmed Ghali, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enforcing anti-money laundering laws.
“We are here to take custody of another individual who has chosen to ignore the provisions of the law on currency declaration. Our message is clear, laws are meant to be obeyed, and we will not relent in ensuring that those who violate them are held accountable,” Ghali stated.
