EFCC Investigates Cash Smuggling Case at Lagos Airport

The EFCC is investigating Okorie Sunday, arrested at Lagos Airport with $578,000 concealed in excess of declared funds. Customs officials found undeclared money along with counterfeit currency on him. The investigation emphasizes adherence to the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, with calls for public compliance in currency declaration.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into Okorie Sunday, who was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos while carrying $578,000. According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the suspect will face charges following the completion of the investigation.

Okorie Sunday arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, and initially declared $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk. However, Customs officials later discovered an undeclared $299,000 hidden in separate packages, leading to his arrest. Further inspection uncovered €100 and a counterfeit $250 note, compounding his legal troubles.

Effiong Harrison, the Area Comptroller of Customs at the airport, criticized the actions of the suspect, emphasizing that they violate the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011, which requires any sums exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent to be declared upon entry or exit.

Harrison confirmed that the full amount of $578,000 would be delivered to the EFCC for further actions. Ahmed Ghali, the EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director in Lagos, praised Customs for their collaboration and highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in these matters.

Ghali reiterated the need for compliance with the declaration laws, encouraging the public to report any amounts exceeding $10,000 when entering or exiting Nigeria. Moreover, he warned citizens against misleading declarations, stating that such actions threaten the nation’s financial integrity and could be subject to legal repercussions. He emphasized that Nigeria’s reputation must be safeguarded to prevent it from being perceived as a haven for fraudulent activities.

The EFCC has taken decisive actions against Okorie Sunday for smuggling cash into Nigeria, emphasizing the gravity of financial regulations concerning currency declarations. The incident underscores the critical role of inter-agency collaboration in combatting financial crimes, while also serving as a warning to the public about the consequences of non-compliance with monetary laws. The EFCC’s ongoing investigation reaffirms its commitment to maintaining financial integrity and economic stability in Nigeria.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com