The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun an official investigation into one Mr. Rajesh Kumar, an Indian national, who was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos with an undeclared sum of $29,000. The incident, which occurred on Monday, July 8, 2025, underscores the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on financial infractions at the nation’s borders.
According to credible information obtained by a source,Kumar was intercepted by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) while attempting to board an outbound Emirates Airlines flight to India. During routine screening procedures, Customs officers discovered that the passenger was in possession of foreign currency exceeding the $10,000 threshold permitted under Nigerian law without a formal declaration.
Despite being reminded of his obligation to declare any sum above the statutory limit, Kumar allegedly failed to disclose the funds. A subsequent search led to the discovery of the concealed $29,000 in his luggage. He was immediately taken into custody by Customs officials and later handed over to the EFCC for further questioning and investigation.
The EFCC, in a statement confirming the development, disclosed that the suspect is currently being interrogated in connection with possible violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which mandates that any traveller entering or exiting Nigeria must declare foreign currency above $10,000.
A senior EFCC official who spoke on condition of anonymity stated that preliminary investigations are already underway to determine the origin of the money, its intended purpose, and whether it is linked to any illicit financial activity.
“We are following due process in accordance with the law. The suspect will be given the opportunity to explain the source of the funds and why he failed to make a proper declaration. Our goal is to ensure full compliance with anti-money laundering regulations at all entry and exit points across Nigeria,” the official said.
This latest arrest adds to a growing list of similar cases being handled by the EFCC in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies, aimed at curbing illicit financial flows and enhancing the integrity of Nigeria’s border controls.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing financial regulations and warned that ignorance of the law will not be accepted as an excuse. Travellers are once again reminded of the legal requirements for currency declaration, as non-compliance may result in prosecution and forfeiture of undeclared funds.
