The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigating one Duru Ikechukwu Damian, arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for allegedly failing to declare $59,000 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
Damian was intercepted on Monday, August 11, 2025, by NCS operatives at the AML/CFT Currency Declaration Desk during a routine check. He was scheduled to travel on Emirates Airline to Dubai.
According to the NCS, the suspect initially claimed he was carrying only $10,000. However, a search revealed an additional $49,000, bringing the total amount to $59,000.
Handing the suspect over to the EFCC on Tuesday, August 12, the Airport Area Comptroller, E.I. Harrison, said:
“We have continuously sensitised travellers on the need to declare their currencies. Announcements are made at intervals, and electronic signages display these messages. Yet, some people still fail to adhere to the law.”
Receiving the suspect, Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE1 Ahmed Ghali, warned that the commission would not relent in enforcing anti–money laundering laws.
“Laws are meant to be obeyed. We will ensure that any individual who violates the law does not go scot-free,” Ghali stated.