The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned an Austrian national, Kavlak Onal, over allegations that he failed to declare large sums of foreign currency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
The anti-graft agency disclosed this on Friday through an update shared on its official X handle, stating that the suspect was charged for allegedly not declaring $800,585 and €651,505 found in his possession.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Government Secures Release of Pastor Held in Benin Republic for Two Years on R@pe Allegations
According to the EFCC, Onal was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) while attempting to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He was intercepted at the airport during routine checks before departure.
Following his arrest, the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 commenced investigations after the Customs Service handed the suspect over for further action. The commission said the foreign currencies were allegedly concealed and not declared in line with existing financial regulations.
READ ALSO: U.S.-Based Nigerian NGO Topshot Admits to $1.4m Fra¥d, Tax Evasion; Faces Up to 25 Years in Prison
While receiving the suspect, the Head of the Foreign Exchange Malpractices Section, ACE II Adejumo Richard, who spoke on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and cooperation. He praised the agency’s professionalism and commitment to combating financial crimes.
The case adds to a growing number of interceptions involving undeclared foreign currencies at Nigerian airports. In October 2025, security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed Airport domestic terminal reportedly arrested several passengers allegedly found with $6.1 million in cash, believed to be couriers linked to a politically exposed person.
READ ALSO: NDLEA Intercepts 907 I’ll+cit Dr¥gs Hidden in Black Soap, Designer Wears Bound for US, Canada, Sweden
About The Author
More Stories
Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty To Defra¥ding 150 Americans Of $2.5M In S+xtortion And Romance Sc@m
Police Nab Four Suspected Child Tr@ffickers, Rescue 4-Day-Old Baby And Mentally Challenged Mother In Abia State
Prison Officer Fired And Arrested For Smuggling Home-Cooked Meals To Inmates In USA