The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into Okorie Sunday, who was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for false currency declaration upon his arrival from Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 19, 2025.
Undeclared Foreign Currency Discovered
Sunday initially declared $279,000 at the airport’s Currency Declaration Desk. However, a subsequent search revealed an additional $299,000 concealed in various packages, bringing the total to $578,000.
Authorities also discovered €100 and a counterfeit $250 bill among his belongings.
Violation of Money Laundering Act
On March 21, 2025, the NCS Area Comptroller at the airport handed over the suspect to the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 for further investigation.
Speaking at the handover, NCS official Harrison stated that Sunday’s actions violated the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, which requires all inbound and outbound passengers to declare any amount exceeding $10,000.
While receiving the suspect, the acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ahmed Ghali, commended the NCS for their collaboration, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency partnerships in combating financial crimes.
“We are taking over this case to ensure that the suspect faces legal action for falsely declaring the cash he was carrying. Nigerians must be aware that declaring any foreign currency above $10,000 is mandatory under our laws,” Ghali stated.
Financial Crime and National Security Concerns
Ghali further warned against false or non-declaration of foreign currency, stressing that such acts jeopardize the country’s financial integrity and expose it to risks like money laundering.
“We will not allow anyone to sabotage Nigeria’s economy or financial system. This kind of act damages our global reputation and poses a serious economic threat. We will continue working with other agencies to strengthen the country’s financial sector,” he added.
The EFCC has commenced investigations and is expected to take further legal action against the suspect in accordance with Nigerian anti-money laundering laws.
