By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
OPERATIVES OF the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos have launched an investigation into Rajesh Kumar, who was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, for allegedly failing to declare $29,000 in his possession.
The suspect, bound for India, was intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) during a routine check on Wednesday, 7 July 2025.
Upon questioning, Kumar reportedly claimed to be carrying only $6,000. However, further examination revealed a total of $29,000, contrary to his initial declaration.
During the formal handover of the suspect, the Area Comptroller of the NCS at the airport, E. I. Harrison, emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration to protect Nigeria’s economic integrity.
He reaffirmed the Customs Service’s commitment to curbing infractions that could harm the nation’s financial standing.
“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, while transferring custody of the suspect, his international passport, and accompanying documents to the EFCC for further investigation.
Receiving the suspect on behalf of the EFCC, Assistant Commander Ibinabo Amachree, who heads the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) in Lagos, assured the Customs Service of swift action.
Representing the acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ahmed Ghali, Amachree described the arrest as a significant step in reinforcing Nigeria’s anti-money laundering posture.
“This is one of the gains of our robust collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service and the Nigerian Financial Investigation Unit, NFIU. It will go further to boost our image as a country, especially as we prepare to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FAFT) Grey List,” Amachree noted.
The EFCC has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with prosecution to follow based on established evidence.
