Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have launched an investigation into Duru Ikechukwu Damian, who was arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), for allegedly failing to declare $59,000 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
Damian was intercepted on Monday, August 11, 2025, during a routine check at the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Currency Declaration Desk while preparing to board an Emirates Airline flight to Dubai.
According to the NCS, the suspect initially claimed he was carrying only $10,000. However, a search revealed an additional undeclared $49,000, bringing the total to $59,000.
Speaking during the handover of the suspect to the EFCC on Tuesday, August 12, the Area Comptroller of NCS at the airport, E.I. Harrison, said the service had consistently sensitised travellers on the need to declare all currencies in line with existing laws.
“We have carried out sensitization and made public announcements. At the airport, messages are broadcast regularly, and electronic signages in the halls display them. Yet, at intervals, we still encounter individuals who fail to adhere to the extant laws and regulations,” Harrison stated.
Receiving the suspect, Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Ahmed Ghali, warned against violating Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
“We are here to take over one of the recalcitrant Nigerians who do not want to abide by the law in relation to money laundering. We will not relent in enforcing the law. Laws are meant to be obeyed, and anyone who violates them will not go scot-free,” Ghali said.
The EFCC said investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face prosecution upon conclusion of inquiries.
