Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has launched an inquiry into a man accused of attempting to leave the country with tens of thousands of dollars in undeclared cash.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said Mr Duru Damian was intercepted by Nigeria Customs Service officers on Monday at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, as he prepared to board an Emirates flight to Dubai.
Customs officials said Damian declared just $10,000, but a subsequent search allegedly revealed an additional $49,000, raising the total to $59,000. Under Nigerian law, travellers must declare any sum exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent.
Effiong Harrison, the NCS Area Comptroller at the airport, said the agency had stepped up public awareness through regular announcements and electronic signboards, but non-compliance persisted.
Upon receiving the suspect, EFCC’s acting Lagos Zonal Director 2, Assistant Commander Ahmed Ghali, pledged that the commission would continue to enforce anti-money laundering regulations, warning that violators “will not go scot free”.
The investigation comes amid a broader crackdown on illicit cash movements and efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with global financial transparency standards.
