In a dramatic turn of events at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Nigeria Customs Service officers have unearthed a major financial crime operation, seizing a whopping $578,000 in concealed cash from a suspect who tried to slip under the radar. The extraordinary bust, which unfolded on March 21, 2025, under the leadership of Comptroller Effiong Harrison, is the latest win in the country’s ongoing war against illicit financial activities.
The suspect, identified as Okorie Sylvanus Sunday, a South African arrival, thought he could outsmart airport security when he declared only $279,000 at the currency declaration desk. However, eagle-eyed Customs officers weren’t fooled. A meticulous search revealed a shocking truth: an additional $299,000 was cunningly hidden in various packages, tucked away in a way that even the most trained eyes might miss.
But that wasn’t all. Further investigations uncovered €100 and $250 worth of counterfeit bills, pointing to a far-reaching criminal operation designed to launder and conceal illicit funds.
Comptroller Harrison wasted no time in condemning the breach, stating, “This is a blatant violation of financial regulations. The law is clear – any amount above $10,000 must be declared. This individual attempted to bypass the system and break the law with impunity.”
The seizure and the subsequent handover of the suspect and funds to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation is in line with the Customs’ anti-crime strategy, which focuses on strengthening partnerships, boosting operational innovation, and delivering swift justice.
Ahmed Ghali, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, took to the podium during the handover ceremony, emphasizing the importance of strict compliance with financial laws. “This incident underscores our commitment to cracking down on financial criminals,” Ghali asserted, vowing that the EFCC would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the perpetrators face the full force of the law.
This development signals a deeper crackdown on illicit financial activities as Nigerian authorities continue to intensify their efforts to prevent the illegal flow of money and enforce global monetary regulations. The message is clear: no one, regardless of their background or intentions, is above the law when it comes to financial crimes.
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