The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched an investigation into an alleged money laundering case involving $79,150 intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The commission disclosed that two suspects, identified as Anih Friday and Chukwukezie Ndonna, are currently under investigation following the seizure of the undeclared foreign currency.
According to the EFCC, the suspects were initially apprehended through a joint operation involving officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Customs Service during routine screening procedures at the airport.
Investigators revealed that Mr Friday, a Nigerian based in Angola, arrived in the country on an Angola Airlines flight on May 2 when the cash was allegedly discovered hidden inside his hand luggage.
The anti-graft agency stated that the money was not declared to authorities as required under Nigerian financial regulations governing cash movement across borders.
Preliminary findings reportedly showed that Mr Ndonna was at the airport to receive the funds at the time of the interception.
The EFCC noted that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle illicit financial flows, money laundering activities and other economic crimes linked to Nigeria’s entry and exit points.
Officials of the commission also commended the collaboration between the EFCC, NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service, describing it as important in strengthening border enforcement and financial crime detection.
The agency added that the suspects would be prosecuted if investigations establish any violations of the law.
Under Nigerian regulations, travellers entering or leaving the country are expected to declare any cash exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent. Failure to do so may attract investigations related to financial crimes and money laundering.
