EFCC INVESTIGATES SUSPECT FOR UNDECLARED $20,000, CFA110,000
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has commenced investigations of the sums of US $20,000 (Twenty Thousand United States Dollars) and CFA 110,000 (One Hundred and Ten Thousand CFA) intercepted by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, at the Seme Border, in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State
The Customs officers, during a patrol on Sunday, July 13, 2025, along the Babapupa bush paths near the Seme Border, intercepted a Nissan Almera car suspected of being a smuggled vehicle, which was abandoned by the driver upon sighting the officers.
Speaking during the handover held at the Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos Command of the NCS, the Comptroller, M.S. Shuaibu, said the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, recorded a remarkable progress in the ongoing efforts to thwart the activities of illicit financial flow movers in our country.
He said: "The examination reports of the said vehicle revealed that $20,000 (USD), CFA110,000 were recovered. "This arrest underscores the relentless commitment of our officers to continuously thwart the activities of illicit financial flow movers and protect our country's economy. It represents concerted efforts to combat smuggling and criminalities at our borders and restore laws and orders.”
Continuing, he said: “Let me reiterate that this arrest is in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which requires a mandatory declaration of any currency exceeding $10, 000 or its equivalent at Nigeria's borders.
Receiving the seized foreign currencies, the Head of Investigations, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, S. M. Ala, assured the NCS that there would be a thorough forensic investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the interception and ensure that due process is followed.
He also commended the Zone A Command of the NCS for its vigilance and commitment towards safeguarding the nation’s borders, stressing that its dedication had again ensured that “illicit financial activities do not go unchecked.”