The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the case of Okorie Sunday, who was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for falsely declaring the amount of foreign currency he was carrying. Sunday’s arrest, which took place on March 19, 2025, upon his arrival from Johannesburg, South Africa, stemmed from an initial declaration of $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk. However, a thorough search conducted by customs officials unearthed an additional $299,000 concealed within various packages among his belongings, bringing the total sum of undeclared currency to $578,000. Furthermore, the search also uncovered €100 and a counterfeit $250 bill in Sunday’s possession, raising further concerns about the nature and origin of the funds.
The case was officially transferred to the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 on March 21, 2025, following a formal handover by the NCS Area Comptroller at the airport. The handover ceremony underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating financial crimes. An NCS official, identified as Harrison, emphasized during the handover that Sunday’s actions constituted a clear violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011. This act mandates that all inbound and outbound passengers declare any currency exceeding $10,000 to ensure transparency and prevent illicit financial flows. The collaborative effort between the NCS and EFCC reflects a commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system and combating money laundering activities.
Upon receiving the suspect and the accompanying evidence, Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ahmed Ghali, commended the NCS for their vigilance and cooperation. He highlighted the critical role of inter-agency synergy in achieving shared objectives, particularly in the fight against financial crimes. Ghali stated, “We are here today to take over one passenger coming from South Africa for falsely declaring the cash he was carrying along.” This statement underscores the seriousness with which the EFCC views such offenses and its commitment to pursuing a thorough investigation. The EFCC’s prompt action in taking over the case demonstrates the agency’s dedication to swiftly addressing financial irregularities and holding perpetrators accountable.
Ghali further emphasized the importance of public awareness and compliance with currency declaration regulations. He urged members of the public to be cognizant of the legal requirement to declare any cash exceeding $10,000 when entering or leaving the country. This public awareness campaign is crucial to ensuring that individuals understand their obligations and the potential consequences of non-compliance. By highlighting the mandatory nature of currency declaration, the EFCC seeks to deter potential offenders and foster a culture of transparency and accountability in international financial transactions.
The acting zonal director issued a stern warning against false or non-declaration of foreign currency, emphasizing the detrimental impact such actions have on the nation’s financial integrity and global reputation. He asserted that such practices expose the country to various risks, including money laundering, and tarnish Nigeria’s image on the international stage. Ghali’s strong stance reflects the EFCC’s commitment to protecting the Nigerian economy from illicit financial activities and upholding the country’s reputation as a responsible member of the global financial community.
In his concluding remarks, Ghali reiterated the EFCC’s unwavering resolve to collaborate with other agencies to strengthen the economy and the financial sector. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to synergizing efforts to combat financial crimes and ensure the stability and integrity of the Nigerian financial system. The investigation into Okorie Sunday’s case serves as a demonstration of the EFCC’s determination to hold individuals accountable for their actions and protect the country’s financial interests. The outcome of this investigation will send a strong message that financial crimes will not be tolerated and that the EFCC will continue to pursue justice diligently.
