Customs hands over $29,000 seized from Indian passengers to EFCC

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed Airport command, has handed over $29,000 seized from two Indian nationals to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking on Tuesday in Lagos during the handover, Effiong Harrison, the command’s comptroller, said the money was intercepted after the passengers falsely declared only $6,000 while boarding an Emirates flight to India.

Harrison said the remaining $23,000, concealed in different packages, was discovered during examination.

“This is in contravention of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, which mandates passengers travelling with more than $10,000 or its equivalent to properly declare it,” Harrison said.

He added that the seized currency, along with the suspects’ international passports and other relevant documents, had been transferred to the EFCC in line with the directive of Bashir Adeniyi, the comptroller-general of customs.

Harrison reiterated the command’s commitment to curbing illicit financial flows through the nation’s airports and warned that the agency would not tolerate actions that damage the country’s reputation.

He added that the command had intensified its public sensitisation efforts to foster compliance and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s business environment.

“We continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and government agencies to ensure that international gateways are not used for criminal activities,” he said.

Receiving the suspects and the seized currency, Ahmed Ghali, acting director of EFCC Lagos office 2, commended the customs command for the interception.

Ghali, who was represented by Amachree Ibinabo, an EFCC official, said the law permits individuals to travel with up to $10,000, provided it is honestly declared.

He added that while the EFCC continues to sensitise the public, it will also ensure that defaulters face the full wrath of the law.

“Nobody will stop you from travelling with your cash, regardless of the amount, as long as you declare it,” Ibinabo said.

“This case will be properly investigated and prosecuted accordingly.”