By Deborah Nnamdi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into one Duru Ikechukwu Damian, who was arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, for allegedly failing to declare the full amount of foreign currency in his possession.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the EFCC said Damian was scheduled to board an Emirates Airline flight to Dubai when he was intercepted during a routine check at the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Currency Declaration Desk.
He reportedly declared only $10,000, but a search by customs officials uncovered an additional $49,000, bringing the total to $59,000.
During the handover to the EFCC on Tuesday, the Area Comptroller of Customs, E. I. Harrison, emphasized that the arrest was part of ongoing enforcement efforts. He noted that despite regular public announcements and electronic signage reminding travelers to declare their funds, some individuals continue to flout the law.
EFCC Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Directorate 2, ACE I Ahmed Ghali, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations.
“We are taking over a case involving a Nigerian who refused to comply with money laundering laws. The EFCC remains committed to ensuring that violators face the consequences,” Ghali stated.
