The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken custody of two travellers, Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, for investigation and prosecution after they were arrested for failing to declare a significant sum of foreign currency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 11, 2025, when operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) intercepted the duo during a routine check. The suspects, who had just arrived in Nigeria from Dubai via Addis Ababa, were in transit and scheduled to board a connecting flight to Abuja.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that they were in possession of a combined $6,180 and £53,415 in cash, which they had not declared to customs authorities as required by law. Three mobile phones were also found on them.
Following their arrest by FAAN, the suspects were initially handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS). In a coordinated inter-agency effort, the DSS subsequently transferred the case to the EFCC for a detailed investigation into the source and intended purpose of the undeclared funds.
The suspects and all recovered exhibits were formally received by CSE Margaret Lamai, who acted on behalf of the EFCC’s acting Zonal Director for the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander Ahmed Ghali.
The EFCC has confirmed that it has commenced a full-scale investigation into the matter. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation, reinforcing the Commission’s mandate to combat financial crimes, including violations of the Cash Declaration policy designed to curb money laundering and illicit financial flows. This case serves as a stern warning to other travellers about the serious consequences of flouting Nigeria’s financial regulations.
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