EFCC Investigates Cash Smuggling Case at Lagos Airport
The EFCC has launched an investigation into Okorie Sunday, who was caught smuggling $578,000 and falsely declaring currency at Lagos’ airport. Customs officials discovered additional undeclared cash and items, leading to his arrest. The case reflects the importance of adhering to currency declaration laws to combat money laundering in Nigeria.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has initiated an investigation into Okorie Sunday, who was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for the alleged smuggling of $578,000. This information was confirmed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale in a statement from Abuja on Saturday, noting that the suspect would face legal charges once the investigation concludes.
Oyewale revealed that Effiong Harrison, the Area Comptroller of Customs at the airport, transferred the suspect to the EFCC on grounds of false currency declaration. Sunday had arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday, declaring a sum of $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk, while Customs officials later uncovered an additional $299,000 concealed in separate packages.
Inspection disclosed that Sunday also possessed €100 and a counterfeit $250 note, further complicating the currency declaration violation. Harrison criticized the illegal act, emphasizing that it contravenes the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011, which requires declaring any amount exceeding $10,000 upon entering or exiting Nigeria.
Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, confirmed that the EFCC would receive the total of $578,000 to continue its investigation. Ahmed Ghali, Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC in Lagos, commended the cooperation from Customs, stressing the significance of inter-agency collaboration.
Ghali stated the importance of declaring any cash amounts exceeding $10,000 when traveling into or out of Nigeria, as mandated by the country’s money laundering regulations. He urged citizens to refrain from false declarations, reiterating that those who attempt to compromise financial transparency would face the law.
Furthermore, Ghali asserted that actions undermining the economy or financial system would not be tolerated, as they heighten the risks of money laundering and economic instability. He stated that such actions damage Nigeria’s reputation, portraying the country as a haven for fraud, and pledged ongoing collaboration to promote economic and financial integrity.
In summary, the EFCC is actively investigating Okorie Sunday for the suspected smuggling of $578,000 at Lagos International Airport. The case highlights the critical need for compliance with currency declaration laws to prevent money laundering and maintain Nigeria’s economic reputation. The collaboration between Customs and the EFCC underscores a joint commitment to uphold financial regulations and transparency.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
