LAGOS – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized foreign currencies worth approximately N2.28 billion from an Austrian national at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
The suspect, Mr. Kavlak Onal, was arrested on Saturday, December 13, while attempting to board an Emirates flight to Dubai. During routine checks, he denied having currency to declare, but a search of his luggage revealed $800,575 and €651,505 concealed inside.
Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, Customs Area Controller for MMIA Command, stated that the amount far exceeded the legal declaration threshold of $10,000 or its equivalent. He emphasized that failure to declare such sums violates anti-money laundering laws and the Foreign Exchange Act.
Nwokorie warned travelers that carrying above the threshold is permitted only with proper declaration; otherwise, it attracts prosecution and forfeiture. The suspect and the seized funds have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
EFCC Assistant Commander Richard Adejumo commended the Customs for their vigilance and synergy, assuring that the commission would conduct a thorough investigation.
Disclaimer: This report is based on an official press briefing by the Nigeria Customs Service. The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. The investigation is being handled by the EFCC.
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