The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into Okorie Sunday, who was arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos with $578,000.

The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, announced this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, confirming that the suspect will face court proceedings once the investigation concludes.

Oyewale detailed that Effiong Harrison, Area Comptroller of Customs at the airport, transferred Sunday to the EFCC on Friday after the suspect falsely declared currency. Sunday arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday and reported $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk.

However, a subsequent inspection by Customs officials uncovered an additional $299,000 hidden in separate packages, totalling $578,000 in undeclared funds, prompting his arrest.

Further checks revealed that Sunday also concealed €100 and a counterfeit $250 note, compounding violations of currency declaration regulations.

Harrison, speaking on behalf of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, condemned the act, stating, “It violates the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, which mandates declaring sums above $10,000 or equivalent upon entry or exit.”

He confirmed that the $578,000 would be officially handed over to the EFCC for further investigation.

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Ahmed Ghali, EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director in Lagos, received the suspect and praised the Customs Service for their collaboration.

“We are here to take over a passenger from South Africa who falsely declared the cash he was carrying into the country,” Ghali said.

He urged the public to comply with the law, stating, “We will not permit any action that sabotages the economy or financial system, as such conduct increases the risk of money laundering and economic instability.”

Ghali also warned against false declarations, saying, “The law will catch up with those attempting to undermine financial transparency.”

He noted that such actions harm Nigeria’s reputation, adding, “According to him, such actions tarnish Nigeria’s image, making it seem a haven for fraud.” Ghali reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to working with other agencies to bolster the nation’s economy and financial integrity.