The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, has launched an investigation into Duru Ikechukwu Damian, who was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for allegedly failing to declare a total sum of $59,000 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
Damian was intercepted on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the AML/CFT Currency Declaration Desk during a routine check by NCS officers while preparing to board an Emirates Airline flight to Dubai.
According to customs officials, the suspect initially declared possession of only $10,000, the maximum amount permitted without declaration under Nigerian law. However, a search revealed an additional $49,000 concealed, bringing the total to $59,000.
During the handover of the suspect to the EFCC on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the Area Comptroller of NCS at the Airport, E.I. Harrison, emphasised that the agency routinely sensitises travellers through public announcements and electronic signage about the need to declare currencies in line with existing regulations.
“Despite continuous awareness, some travellers still flout the rules. This process of handing over such suspects to relevant agencies has been ongoing to ensure compliance with the law,” Harrison said.
Receiving the suspect, Acting Zonal Director of EFCC, ACE I Ahmed Ghali, described Damian as one of the “recalcitrant Nigerians” unwilling to abide by anti–money laundering regulations.
“Laws are meant to be obeyed, and we will always enforce them. Anyone who violates them will face the full consequences,” Ghali stated.
The EFCC is expected to interrogate the suspect further to determine the source and intended use of the undeclared funds.
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