The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an outbound passenger attempting to travel to India with $29,000 in undeclared cash, in breach of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
The passenger, who initially declared only $6,000, was flagged by Customs officers on Tuesday at the airport for false currency declaration during routine profiling.
The incident was disclosed by the Customs Area Comptroller, MMIA Command, Effiong Harrison, during a press briefing held after a sensitisation session on currency declaration for airline operators, handling companies, and members of the public.
According to the CAC, the passenger was intercepted at the anti-money laundering desk during departure processing for an Emirates flight.
He stated that upon further interrogation and search, it was discovered that the passenger was carrying $29,000 in cash, instead of the $6,000 he had initially declared, which constitutes a violation of currency declaration regulations.
“As is the procedure, the passenger and the undeclared cash are being handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary action,” he said.
The Customs boss emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic integrity, adding that efforts are being intensified to ensure full compliance with laws regulating the movement of foreign currency, precious metals, and other negotiable instruments.
Receiving the money and passport, the Assistant Commander, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibinabo Amachree, while accepting the forfeited currencies and international passports as well as the statements made by the suspects, said the commission will expedite action on the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Amachree, who represented the EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ghali Mohammed, stated that this will further enhance Nigeria’s reputation as it prepares to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List.
“We came here to join hands with the Nigerian Customs Service as well as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to raise awareness among stakeholders on the need for everyone to be compliant with currency declaration and preparation for the upcoming visit of the Financial Action Task Force team to Nigeria.
“This is a very positive development and should serve as a warning to persons carrying illicit funds that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for anyone wanting to smuggle illicit cash or evade official procedures,” she stated.
