The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun an investigation into Duru Damian, who was arrested for allegedly failing to declare $59,000 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Damian was stopped by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday, August 11, during a routine check at the AML/CFT Currency Declaration Desk. He was preparing to board an Emirates Airline flight to Dubai.
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When questioned, Damian claimed he was only carrying $10,000.
However, a subsequent search revealed he had an additional $49,000 that had not been declared, bringing the total to $59,000.
On Tuesday,, the NCS handed over the suspect to the EFCC.
The Area Comptroller of the NCS at the airport, E. I. Harrison noted that despite continuous public announcements and electronic signages, some travelers still fail to comply with currency declaration laws.
Ahmed Ghali, the acting Zonal Director for the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, stated that the commission will not hesitate to enforce anti-money laundering laws.
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“Laws are meant to be obeyed,” he said, vowing to ensure that anyone who violates these regulations is held accountable.
The EFCC will now conduct a full investigation into Damian’s case.
