The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigations into one Phil-Olumba Ifunaya Sheila, who was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, for allegedly attempting to travel with undeclared foreign currencies.
Sheila, who was intercepted by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) during a routine check on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, was allegedly found in possession of $14,567, £1,030, and CA$40. Upon interrogation, she claimed she had only $4,000 on her while preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom.
In a related development, the EFCC has also launched an investigation into a suspicious parcel intercepted by NCS and Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) operatives. The parcel was found to contain ZW$101 trillion (Zimbabwean Dollars), with an estimated equivalent of ₦426 billion, and 41.64 million Vietnamese Dong, equivalent to ₦95,746.
Speaking during the handover of the suspect and seized items, Airport Area Comptroller of the NCS, E.J. Harrison, said the interception of the parcel resulted from the vigilance of Customs and NIPOST officials. “It is our duty to prevent illicit financial movements. This parcel, discovered during routine screening, raises serious questions and requires thorough investigation,” Harrison stated.
Receiving the suspect and the parcel, M.A. Timta, representing the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ahmed Ghali, assured that the Commission would expedite investigations and prosecute any wrongdoing uncovered. He commended the Customs Service for its continued collaboration in combating illicit financial activities.
