EFCC probes Indian nationwide arrested with undeclared $29,000 at Lagos Airport

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have launched an investigation into one Rajesh Kumar, who was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, for allegedly attempting to travel with undeclared foreign currency amounting to $29,000.

Kumar was intercepted by Customs officials during a routine screening at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday. The suspect, who was en route to India, reportedly declared only $6,000 at the time of his arrest.

While handing over the suspect to the EFCC, the Customs Area Comptroller at the airport, E.I. Harrison, underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy.

“We have the mandate and the authority to make sure that whatever will be injurious to our economy is not allowed to take place, especially in this our Command.

“So, today, on behalf of our Service, I want to formally hand over the money, passport and file containing the statement of the passenger involved to the EFCC for further necessary actions,” Harrison stated.

Receiving the suspect on behalf of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the Commission and Head of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, Lagos, ACE Ibinabo Amachree, assured that the Commission would take swift action on the matter.

Speaking on behalf of the Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ahmed Ghali, Amachree noted that the arrest reflects positively on Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to meet international anti-money laundering standards.

“This arrest will further enhance Nigeria’s image, especially as we work towards exiting the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, Grey List.

“As a matter of fact, this is one of the gains of our robust collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU,” Amachree said.

The EFCC has since taken custody of the suspect, the seized funds, and accompanying documentation as investigations continue.