By Peterside Rejoice
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into the activities of two passengers, Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, who were intercepted with foreign currency at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The suspects were reportedly arrested while attempting to board an Aero Contractors flight with undeclared cash amounting to $6,180 and £53,415.
Security sources disclosed that the passengers were flagged during a routine check before boarding, prompting suspicion over the content of their luggage.
Confirming the incident, the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, said one of the airline’s flights was slightly delayed after security personnel noticed the passengers carrying unusually heavy hand luggage.
According to him, “My head of security reported that the flight was delayed because one of our agents observed some passengers bringing heavy bags into the cabin and advised them to check in the bags if they couldn’t fit. They refused, saying the bags contained money.
“They were then told that such cash ought to have been declared, as there are laid down procedures for boarding with money. They later claimed they were security operatives escorting a suspect and that the cash was an exhibit,” Sanusi explained.
He added that Aero’s security officials, upon verifying their claims, discovered that the proper procedure for boarding with a suspect or carrying exhibits had not been followed. Consequently, the passengers were deboarded and handed over to security authorities.
Operatives of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, located at Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, have since taken over the case for further investigation to determine the source and intended use of the funds.
As at press time, the anti-graft agency had yet to release an official statement regarding the ongoing probe.
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