The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, has officially handed over $578,000 falsely declared currency and a suspect to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
Speaking to journalists during the handover Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Effiong Harrison, disclosed that the suspect, Okorie Sylvanus Sunday, arrived in Lagos on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, from South Africa.
“He approached the Currency Declaration Desk and declared a total sum of $279,000. However, an additional $299,000 was discovered neatly concealed in different packages upon examination. Also hidden were €100 and a counterfeit $250 note.”
The CAC noted that the act contravenes the legal threshold of $10,000, which the law approves.
He further emphasised that the handover aligns with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, which focuses on consolidation, collaboration, and innovation in tackling financial crimes.
Acting Zonal Director Ahmed Ghali, who received the funds on behalf of the EFCC, reiterated the need for strict compliance with financial regulations.
He added that the EFCC will take over the investigation and prosecution of the case in line with its mandate to combat financial crimes.
