EFCC Arraigns Austrian National Over Alleged Undeclared $800,585 and €651,505 At Lagos Airport

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned an Austrian national, Kavlak Onal, over allegations that he failed to declare large sums of foreign currency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this on Friday through an update shared on its official X handle, stating that the suspect was charged for allegedly not declaring $800,585 and €651,505 found in his possession.

According to the EFCC, Onal was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) while attempting to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He was intercepted at the airport during routine checks before departure.

Following his arrest, the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 commenced investigations after the Customs Service handed the suspect over for further action.

The commission said the foreign currencies were allegedly concealed and not declared in line with existing financial regulations.

While receiving the suspect, the Head of the Foreign Exchange Malpractices Section, ACE II Adejumo Richard, who spoke on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and cooperation. He praised the agency’s professionalism and commitment to combating financial crimes.

The case adds to a growing number of interceptions involving undeclared foreign currencies at Nigerian airports.

In October 2025, security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed Airport domestic terminal reportedly arrested several passengers allegedly found with $6.1 million in cash, believed to be couriers linked to a politically exposed person.