The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has launched an investigation into Okorie Sunday, who was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for attempting to smuggle $578,000 into the country.
Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that the suspect would be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.
According to the EFCC, Sunday arrived in Nigeria from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday and declared only $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk. However, further inspection by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) uncovered an additional $299,000 concealed in separate packages, leading to his arrest.
Effiong Harrison, Area Comptroller of Customs at the airport, transferred the suspect to the EFCC on Friday for further investigation. Harrison, speaking on behalf of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized that the act violated the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011, which mandates travelers to declare any sum above $10,000 upon entry or exit from the country.
Further checks revealed that Sunday also had €100 and a counterfeit $250 note in his possession.
Ahmed Ghali, EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director in Lagos, received the suspect and commended the Customs Service for their collaboration in tackling financial crimes.
“We will not tolerate any action that undermines Nigeria’s economy or financial system. Money laundering and financial crimes contribute to economic instability, and we will ensure that offenders face the full wrath of the law,” Ghali stated.
He also warned against false currency declarations, adding that such offenses damage Nigeria’s international reputation.
