Customs Arrests India-bound Passenger With $29,000 At Lagos Airport

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday, announced the arrest of an India-bound passenger with undeclared foreign currency totalling $29,000.

The passenger, who was travelling to India via Emirates airline, had falsely declared only $6,000, violating Nigeria’s currency declaration laws.

LEADERSHIP reports that the currency declaration regime states that cross-border movements of cash are monitored while travellers across Nigerian borders, land, air, and sea, are mandated to make declarations when in possession of currencies above $10,000 or equivalent.

However, speaking to LEADERSHIP, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of MMIA, Compt. Effiong Harrison explained that the passenger was stopped during routine processing by the Customs Anti-Money Laundering Unit.

According to the Area Controller, upon questioning, the passenger claimed to have only $6,000, but further scrutiny revealed that he had $29,000 in his possession, constituting a false declaration and a breach of Nigerian financial regulations.

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Following the discovery, Customs officials promptly handed over the passenger, the undeclared currency, his passport, and related documents to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.

Harrison emphasised that such actions were part of Customs’ ongoing efforts to prevent activities that could harm Nigeria’s economy, including illicit currency movements.

EFCC’s Head of Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), Assistant Commander Ibinabo Amachree, received the seized funds and documents.

Amachree assured that the anti-graft agency would expedite investigation and prosecution, underscoring the importance of the collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s financial integrity.

She highlighted that these efforts contribute towards Nigeria’s goal of exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, noting the upcoming FATF evaluation visit as a key motivator for increased vigilance.

Amachree further warned that Nigeria is no longer a haven for illicit funds or unlawful financial activities, signaling a firm stance against violations of currency declaration protocols.