The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into Okorie Sunday, who was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for allegedly smuggling $578,000 into the country.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, stating that the suspect would face prosecution upon the completion of investigations.
According to Oyewale, the Area Comptroller of Customs at the airport, Effiong Harrison, handed Sunday over to the EFCC on Friday for making false currency declarations.
Sunday reportedly arrived in Nigeria from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday and declared only $279,000 at the airport’s currency declaration desk. However, customs officers later uncovered an additional $299,000 hidden in separate packages, bringing the total sum to $578,000. Further checks also revealed €100 and a counterfeit $250 note in his possession.
Ahmed Ghali, the EFCC’s acting zonal director in Lagos, received the suspect and commended customs officials for their cooperation, stressing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling financial crimes.
He reminded the public that individuals traveling in or out of Nigeria are required to declare any cash amount exceeding $10,000 in compliance with the country’s anti-money laundering laws.
Ghali also cautioned against false currency declarations, warning that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to evade financial regulations.
“We will not tolerate any actions that threaten the economy or the financial system, as such activities contribute to money laundering and economic instability,” he stated.
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