The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into one Duru Ikechukwu Damian, who was arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for allegedly failing to declare $59,000 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The EFCC disclosed the development on its official X handle on Wednesday, stating that Damian was intercepted on Monday by customs operatives during a routine check at the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Currency Declaration Desk while preparing to board an Emirates Airline flight to Dubai.
According to the Commission, Damian declared only $10,000, but a search uncovered an additional $49,000, bringing the total amount to $59,000.
During the formal handover on Tuesday, the Area Comptroller of the NCS at the airport, E. I. Harrison, explained that the interception was part of ongoing enforcement efforts. He noted that despite repeated sensitisation campaigns, public announcements, and electronic signage reminders at the airport, some travellers still fail to comply with currency declaration laws.
Receiving the suspect, Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE I Ahmed Ghali, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to enforcing anti-money laundering regulations. He stressed that the EFCC would continue to ensure that individuals who violate the law face the full weight of justice.
