...hands over seized currency to EFCC
Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun Area 1 Command has intercepted 7million cfa abandoned by a suspected foreign currency launderer at the idiroko border.
Speaking at the handing over of the seized foreign currency to Officers of the Economic and financial Crime Commission on Tuesday at the Command's Headquarters, Idiroko, Controller of the Area 1 Command, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu stated
" On 20th of March, 2025 , our officers on duty at the outward baggage hall while conducting on passengers bag en route Nigeria to Benin Republic, a bag suspected to be carrying unlawful content was spotted.On through examination, it was discovered to contain new mint foreign currency note"
"Our officer conducted a search on the bag in line with the provision of section 6 of the Nigeria Customs Service act 2023 and discovered the bag containing foreign currency, on examination:, it was discovered to contain 7,000,000 CFA"
" Gentlemen of the Press, it might interest you to know that failure to declare cash amounting the seized currency run contrary to the Anti- money laundering ( prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and foreign exchange ( monitoring and miscellaneous Provisions) Act , 1995
"Gentlemen of the press, having recognized the critical role the Economic and financial Crime Commission played in enforcing law related to money laundering, terrorism financial crimes in Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Command on behalf of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale ,MFR, invites the leadership of the EFCC and gentleman of the press to be part of history as we carry out the directives of the Comptroller General of Customs , to officially hand over the seized 7million cfa to EFCC.
" The handing over of the seized currency is to foster inter -agency collaboration between NCS, EFCC and our sister agencies in line with the policy thrust of our Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR."
Speaking further, the Controller said "We must continue to send the right signal to discourage other people from indulging in despicable act of smuggling . The command under my leadership is committed to strict implementation of federal Government fiscal policies and extant laws that govern the day to day operation of the service at the international corridor.
" I wish to advise the border communities to discourage and desist from any unscrupulous act of smuggling.
" Finally, I want to use this medium to reiterate that current Customs administration under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team has zero tolerance for revenue leakages, violation of Economic and fiscal policy measures in all its ramifications and we at command are committed to enforcing same."
Fielding questions from journalists, Comptroller Shuaibu clarified that no suspect was arrested,as the unknown launderer abandoned the bag on realizing the vigilance of men of the command during the checking.
He added that to prevent case of having bomb or harmful gadget being abandoned, led to the search of the bag and discovery of the intercepted foreign currency.
The seized currency amount to #17million was discovered in a bag containing other items such as detergent, new bath room slippers and clothes.
In his response, the Head of Investigation, EfCC Lagos Zone 2, Assistant Commander,Moses Oguzi commended the Controller of the Command and his men for their vigilance at the Nation's border, he added " your professionalism and unwavering commitment have showed that illicit financial activities at the border won't go unchecked.
" The EfCC has the mandate to combat financial and economic crimes. The interception of the 7m cefas has given testament to inter agency collaborations in our fight against corruption, money laundering and illicit activities in our borders.
" As we take over this case,EfCC will conduct a through investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the interception and ensure that due process is followed.
"Let this serve as a remainder that no effort will be spared at holding accountable those who wants to undermine the integrity of our financial system.
Oguzi ,who also extended gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service and all other security agencies, said that the relentless efforts of the operatives have continue to strengthen the fight against financial crimes.
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