MMIA Customs Arrests Austrian National With Undeclared €651.5, $800.5 Cash, Hands Over Suspect to EFCC

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) Command has arrested an outbound Austrian National with passport No. AP0084116, en route emirate airline to Dubai with an undeclared €651,505 and $800,575 cash equivalent to N2,281,891,575, and handed over to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at Lagos Airport, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Chidi Chukwumezie Nwokorie made this known, revealing that the suspect, Mr KAVLAK ONAL, was arrested on Saturday, 13 December 2025 around 14.45 hrs at the Departure Terminal 2 of MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Comptroller Nwokorie noted that the suspect denied having physical cash to declare but upon investigation, a total of €651,505 and $800,575 valued at N2,281,891,575 was found in his luggage, which contravenes the laws that mandate all travelers (Inbound and Outbound) to declare foreign currencies or negotiable instruments above $10,000 threshold or its equivalent.

The Area Controller explained that the interception is in accordance with the Laws and Acts that empower the Service to prevent illicit financial flows and ensure strict implementation of Anti-Money Laundering obligations at all borders.

It also demonstrate the Command’s resolve to combating financial crimes and upholding Nigeria’s economic integrity and security.

The Customs Boss commended his Officers especially, those in Anti-Money Laundering Unit (AML/CFT) for resisting every temptation of compromise to intercept the money, making the successful seizure feasible.

“You showed discipline. You showed professionalism. And you showed integrity. The command is proud of you. The CGC is proud of you. The service is proud of you and Nigeria is indeed proud of you,” he stated.

Comptroller Nwokorie further urged travellers carrying currency exceeding the legally approved threshold of $10,000 or its equivalent to always declare their currency.

“The general public is hereby advised that carrying currency exceeding the legally approved threshold of $10,000 or its equivalent is not an offence, but failure to declare, false declaration or under-declaration of the prescribed amount, constitutes an offence under the law.

“Therefore, I urge you, if you don’t have anything to hide and you are into a legitimate business and trade, to make an honest and full declaration of your currency and other negotiable instruments that are above the threshold of $10,000 at the Currency Declaration Desks in the Arrival and Departure Halls of the Airport or risk being prosecuted and losing the money to the Federal Government,” he said.

The suspect with his international passport and the undeclared currencies were handed over to the representatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for further necessary actions.

Receiving the exhibit, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE11 Adejumoh Richard appreciated Customs for sustaining the existing cooperation between the two agencies which has continued to yield positive results and also assured that justice will be done on the case.

He said the agencies will not relent in their resolve to rid Nigeria of money laundering.