EFCC Investigates Two Passengers Caught with Undeclared $6,180, £53,415 at Lagos Airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into two passengers — Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi — who were arrested at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, for allegedly attempting to board a flight with undeclared foreign currency.

Security personnel reportedly intercepted the suspects during routine checks as they prepared to board an Aero Contractors flight. The duo was found in possession of $6,180 and £53,415 in cash, which they failed to declare as required by law.

Operatives from the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, located in Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, have taken over the case for further investigation.

Confirming the development, the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, told Vanguard that the airline’s security team flagged the passengers after noticing unusually heavy hand luggage.

“My head of security reported that a flight was slightly delayed because one of our security agents noticed some passengers carrying heavy luggage into the cabin and advised them to check in the bags if the cabin could not accommodate them,” Sanusi said.

“But they refused, claiming the bags contained money. They were told that such cash must be declared before boarding, as there are laid-down procedures for traveling with large sums of money.”

According to him, the passengers later claimed to be security agents transporting a suspect and that the money was exhibit evidence.

“Our security agents told them that if they were carrying a suspect, there’s a procedure for that — how to check in, board, and deboard a suspect. But then another security agent arrived and said they wouldn’t be flying anymore. So, they were deboarded,” Sanusi explained.

He added that the airline could not immediately confirm the exact amount of cash involved, but the matter was promptly reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the ongoing probe.

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