By Deborah Nnamdi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun an investigation into two travellers found in possession of undeclared foreign currencies totalling $6,180 and £53,415 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Terminal 2, Lagos.
The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement posted on its verified X handle on Saturday. According to the statement, operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, based in Ikoyi, identified the suspects as Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi.
The EFCC said the suspects were apprehended by officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) during a routine check while attempting to board an Aero Contractors flight. Reports had earlier indicated that the suspects were intercepted at the aircraft’s foot, allegedly with undeclared foreign currency running into millions.
The duo, who reportedly arrived in Nigeria from Dubai via Addis Ababa and were on their way to Abuja, allegedly failed to declare the funds in their possession as required by law. They initially claimed to be security operatives escorting a suspect and the money as exhibits.
Following their arrest, the suspects were first handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) before being transferred to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The EFCC confirmed the seizure of three mobile phones recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest. The suspects and the confiscated items were formally received by CSE Margaret Lamai on behalf of the acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Ahmed Ghali.
The statement added: “Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, have commenced investigations into two travellers arrested by operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, for allegedly failing to declare the sums of $6,180 and £53,415 cash in their possession. Also found on the suspects were three mobile phones.”
The EFCC said investigations are ongoing, and the suspects may face prosecution upon conclusion.
