EFCC probes Indian passenger over undeclared $29,000 intercepted at Lagos Airport

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into Rajesh Kumar, who was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for allegedly failing to declare $29,000 in his possession.

Kumar, who was en route to India, was intercepted on Wednesday, July 7, 2025, during a routine screening by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the airport.

Upon questioning, he claimed to be carrying only $6,000. A more thorough search revealed a significantly larger sum, triggering suspicion of potential money laundering.

Speaking during the handover of the suspect to EFCC operatives, the Area Comptroller of the NCS, E.I. Harrison, stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in protecting Nigeria’s economic integrity.

“We have the mandate and authority to ensure that nothing injurious to our economy is allowed, particularly in this Command,” Harrison said.

“By handing over this case, we are taking a firm step to restore international confidence in Nigeria.”

He added that the money, the suspect’s passport, and accompanying documents had been formally handed to the EFCC for further action.

Receiving the suspect on behalf of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the Commission and Head of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) in Lagos, Ibinabo Amachree, assured that the matter would be pursued with urgency.

“This arrest demonstrates the strength of our ongoing collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU),” Amachree said.

“It also strengthens our efforts as a nation to meet international anti-money laundering standards, especially as Nigeria works to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.”

He pledged that the EFCC would follow through with the investigation and possible prosecution of the suspect in line with relevant financial regulations.