Indian National Probed Over Undeclared $29,000 at Lagos Airport

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into an Indian national, Rajesh Kumar, who was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for attempting to travel with an undeclared sum of $29,000. The arrest, which occurred at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, highlights ongoing efforts to combat illicit financial flows in Nigeria.

Kumar was intercepted by Customs officials during a routine screening at the airport on Monday, July 7, 2025, as he was en route to India. Upon his arrest, Kumar reportedly declared only $6,000, significantly less than the $29,000 discovered.

During the handover of the suspect to the EFCC, the Customs Area Comptroller at the airport, E.I. Harrison, emphasized the critical importance of collaboration between agencies in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy. “We have the mandate and the authority to make sure that whatever will be injurious to our economy is not allowed to take place, especially in this our Command,” Harrison stated.

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Receiving Kumar on behalf of the EFCC, Assistant Commander Ibinabo Amachree, Head of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) in Lagos, assured prompt action from the Commission. Speaking for the Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ahmed Ghali, Amachree noted that the arrest positively reflects Nigeria’s commitment to meeting international anti-money laundering standards.

“This arrest will further enhance Nigeria’s image, especially as we work towards exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List,” Amachree remarked, adding that “this is one of the gains of our robust collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).”

The EFCC has since taken custody of Rajesh Kumar, the seized funds, and all accompanying documentation as investigations continue.