The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, has commenced an investigation into an Austrian national, Kavlak Onal, over the alleged non-declaration of foreign currencies amounting to $800,575 and €651,505 (over N2.2 billion) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
Onal was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday while attempting to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai.
The arrest followed the discovery of the undeclared sums in his possession, in violation of Nigeria’s foreign exchange and anti-money laundering regulations.
The seizure was announced on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, by the Customs Area Controller of the MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, during a media briefing.
He disclosed that the intercepted funds comprised €651,505 and $800,575.
According to Nwokorie, the interception highlights the Service’s firm resolve to curb financial crimes, block illicit financial flows, and protect Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
While receiving the suspect from the Customs authorities, the Head of the Foreign Exchange Malpractices Section (FEMS) of the EFCC, ACE II Adejumo Richard, speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its professionalism and collaboration.
“I would like to extend our sincere appreciation and commendation to the Nigerian Customs Service for its outstanding efforts and excellent synergy displayed so far. Your dedication to duty and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in advancing our shared objectives,” he said.
The EFCC noted that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.
