Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into two passengers, identified as Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, for allegedly failing to declare foreign currencies totaling $6,180 and £53,415 discovered in their possession at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos.
Gatekeepers News reports that under the Nigerian law, individuals entering or leaving the country must declare any cash amount exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at all points of entry and exit.
According to a statement by EFCC, they were intercepted by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) personnel during a routine screening exercise on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
The travelers had reportedly arrived from Dubai via Addis Ababa and were about to board a flight to Abuja when security operatives flagged them.
Reports indicate that security agents attached to the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit at the domestic terminal became suspicious of the travelers during standard checks. They were immediately detained and later handed over to EFCC operatives for questioning.
Following their arrest, the suspects were initially transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS), which later referred the case to the EFCC for deeper investigation and possible prosecution.
The anti-graft agency confirmed that three mobile phones were recovered from the travelers during the operation.
According to EFCC, the suspects and exhibits were received by CSE Margaret Lamai, representing the acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Ahmed Ghali.
The Lagos office, located in Ikoyi, has since commenced a detailed probe to trace the source of the funds and assess compliance with financial declaration laws.
