The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigating Okorie Sunday, who was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with $578,000 by the Nigeria Customs Service.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, saying the suspect would be charged to court following the investigation’s conclusion.

Mr Oyewale explained that Effiong Harrison, area comptroller of customs at the airport, handed the suspect over to the EFCC on Friday for falsely declaring currency.

He said Mr Sunday arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday and declared $279,000 at the currency declaration desk upon entry into the country.

However, customs officials discovered an additional $299,000 concealed in separate packages, bringing the total undeclared amount to $578,000, which led to his arrest. Further inspection revealed the suspect also hid €100 and a counterfeit $250 note.

EFCC’s acting zonal director, Lagos, Ahmed Ghali, received the suspect, commended customs for their cooperation and emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration.

He urged the public to declare any amount above $10,000 when entering or leaving Nigeria, in line with the country’s money laundering regulations.

Mr Ghali appealed to citizens to avoid false declarations, warning them that the law would catch up with those attempting to undermine financial transparency.

“We will not permit any action that sabotages the economy or financial system, as such conduct increases the risk of money laundering and economic instability,” he said.

(NAN)