EFCC Probes Dubai-Bound Passenger Caught with Undeclared $49,000 at Lagos Airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a full-scale investigation into a Dubai-bound passenger apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for failing to declare a cash sum of $49,000 in his possession. The arrest was made in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) during routine checks on outbound passengers on Monday.

According to EFCC sources, the suspect was scheduled to board a flight to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, when officers conducting clearance procedures discovered the large sum concealed in his luggage. Under Nigerian law, any person transporting cash or negotiable instruments above $10,000 is required to declare it to the Nigeria Customs Service before departure. Failure to do so constitutes an offence that may attract prosecution and the forfeiture of the funds.

In a statement, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the development, noting that the arrest followed intelligence sharing between the commission and Customs operatives stationed at the airport. He said the suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was immediately taken into custody and transferred to the EFCC’s Lagos Command for further questioning.

Oyewale explained that the investigation would seek to determine the source of the funds, the intended purpose of the money, and whether it is linked to money laundering, terrorism financing, or other financial crimes. He stressed that the EFCC remains committed to enforcing Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws and ensuring that the nation’s financial system is not exploited for illicit activities.

The interception comes amid increased scrutiny of cross-border cash movement as Nigerian authorities step up efforts to curb illicit financial flows, which have been estimated to cost the country billions of dollars annually. The EFCC has repeatedly warned that undeclared cash smuggling is a major channel for laundering proceeds of crime, including drug trafficking, internet fraud, and corruption.

Airport security sources revealed that the passenger appeared visibly unsettled during screening, prompting officers to conduct a more detailed inspection of his belongings. It was during this process that bundles of US currency were uncovered, neatly wrapped and stashed in hidden compartments of his carry-on bag.

The NCS has reiterated that its officers will continue to apply strict compliance checks in line with Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2022, which mandates accurate disclosure of cash above the statutory limit. Customs Area Comptroller for the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, Charles Orbih, said the joint operation with the EFCC demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in tackling financial crimes.

He added that ignorance of the law is not a valid defence, warning travellers to make proper declarations to avoid arrest, detention, and possible prosecution. “The declaration process is straightforward, and compliance protects both the traveller and the country from the dangers of illicit funds movement,” Orbih noted.

This incident mirrors several recent cases in which large sums of foreign currency were intercepted at Nigerian airports. In April, EFCC operatives arrested another outbound passenger attempting to board a flight to Addis Ababa with over $60,000 undeclared, while in February, two individuals were detained for allegedly smuggling $75,000 without proper documentation.

Analysts say these seizures underscore the persistent challenge of illicit cash movement despite regulatory safeguards. They argue that the problem is fuelled by gaps in enforcement, corruption, and a lack of awareness among some travellers. However, they commend the EFCC and Customs for stepping up joint patrols and surveillance at strategic points.

The EFCC has assured the public that due process will be followed in the current case. If the investigation finds no evidence of criminality beyond the failure to declare, the suspect may face administrative penalties, including fines, before reclaiming the funds. However, if links to criminal activities are established, the matter will be prosecuted in court, and the money could be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

Oyewale further noted that the anti-graft agency is working with international partners to trace suspicious funds and dismantle networks engaged in illegal financial transactions. He said that the commission’s airport monitoring operations are part of a broader strategy to enforce Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework in compliance with global standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The EFCC has encouraged Nigerians and foreign nationals travelling through the country’s airports to adhere strictly to declaration requirements and other financial regulations. It also urged members of the public to report any suspicious movement of funds to the commission, assuring that whistleblowers’ identities will be protected.

As investigations continue, the suspect remains in EFCC custody, with his travel documents seized pending further findings. The commission has hinted that updates on the case will be made public in due course, once preliminary inquiries are completed and any legal proceedings are initiated.

The case adds to Nigeria’s growing record of intercepted illicit cash flows, reinforcing the federal government’s resolve to protect the country’s financial integrity. Authorities maintain that these enforcement actions are necessary to safeguard the economy, strengthen investor confidence, and uphold the rule of law in line with Nigeria’s commitment to global anti-corruption norms.