The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into Okorie Sunday, who was arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, for false currency declaration.
Sunday was apprehended on March 19, 2025, upon arrival from Johannesburg, South Africa.
False Declaration and Seizure.
He initially declared $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk, but a subsequent search revealed an additional $299,000 hidden in various packages, bringing the total to $578,000.
Authorities also discovered €100 and a counterfeit $250 among his belongings.
EFCC Takes Over Investigation.
A statement on Saturday by the Head of EFCC’s Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 officially took over the case on March 21, 2025, after the NCS Area Comptroller at the airport handed over the suspect.
Legal Violation
Speaking at the handover, an NCS official, Harrison, emphasized that the act violated the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, which mandates that any currency exceeding $10,000 must be properly declared by inbound and outbound passengers.
EFCC’s Warning
While receiving the suspect, Ahmed Ghali, Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, commended the NCS for its collaboration and stressed the importance of declaring cash above the legal limit.
“We are here today to take over one passenger coming from South Africa for falsely declaring the cash he was carrying along. I want members of the public to be wary of this kind of act. It is incumbent on everyone traveling in or out of the country to declare any cash in excess of $10,000. This is mandatory under our laws, especially the money laundering law,” Ghali stated.
Impact on Financial System
He warned against false or non-declaration of foreign currency, stressing that such offenses undermine Nigeria’s financial integrity.
“We will not allow anyone to sabotage the economy or the financial system. This kind of act exposes the country to risks, including money laundering, and gives Nigeria a bad reputation globally. We will continue to synergize efforts to strengthen the economy and financial sector,” he added.
