The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into Okorie Sunday, who was arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for false currency declaration.
Sunday, who arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 19, 2025, initially declared $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk. However, a search revealed an additional $299,000 concealed in various packages, bringing the total to $578,000. Authorities also discovered €100 and a counterfeit $250 in his possession.
On March 21, 2025, the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 officially took over the case. An NCS official stated that the act violated the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, which mandates proper declaration of any currency exceeding $10,000.
Ahmed Ghali, acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos, warned that false currency declarations threaten Nigeria’s financial system and global reputation. He emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating financial crimes and strengthening the economy.
