Nigeria Customs Service officers arrested an Austrian national carrying undeclared foreign currency valued at approximately N2.28 billion. The interception occurred at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos as the passenger attempted to board a flight to Dubai.
Okay News reports that Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, Area Controller for the airport command, announced the seizure. Officers from the Anti-Money Laundering Unit detained the suspect, Mr Kavlak Onal, on December 13.
A search of Onal’s luggage uncovered 651,505 euros and 800,575 US dollars concealed in his bag. The passenger had denied carrying declarable amounts when questioned.
The total exceeded the legal threshold of $10,000 or equivalent without declaration. Customs acted under relevant financial and anti-laundering statutes.
Comptroller Nwokorie explained that carrying large sums is permitted if properly declared. Violation arises from failure to declare or false statements.
Officers resisted compromise attempts and secured the funds. The case has been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation.
EFCC Assistant Commander Richard Adejumo praised the inter-agency cooperation. He confirmed the commission will conduct a thorough probe.
Customs urged travellers to use designated declaration desks at airports. Honest reporting avoids penalties and forfeiture.
Similar incidents this year involved seizures of hundreds of thousands in undeclared dollars and other currencies at Nigerian airports. Most cases were referred to the EFCC.
This enforcement action reinforces controls against illicit financial outflows and money laundering at Nigeria’s international gateways.
