In a significant operation, officers and personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MM1A) Command, successfully apprehended a passenger, identified as Ifeanacho Marcellinus Ugbor, who was found in possession of counterfeit $10,000 US currency intended for transit to Brazil. The arrest was confirmed by Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Charles Orbih during a press briefing held at the Command on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
According to Comptroller Orbih, the suspect, a 41-year-old Nigerian holding a valid passport with the number B00033052, was slated to embark on an Ethiopian Airlines flight, ET900, to Brazil on Friday, November 10, 2023. The interception occurred during a routine examination of the passenger’s consignment, a procedure mandated by section (66) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
“Upon inspection of his belongings, our officers discovered that the passenger was carrying counterfeit currency amounting to $10,000,” stated CAC Orbih. The arrest took place while the suspect was in the process of boarding his flight, underscoring the diligence of the Customs officers on duty.
Comptroller Orbih emphasized the commitment of his officers to tackling illicit activities, stating, “We have vigilant officers in this command who are prepared to work around the clock to ensure that anyone attempting such crimes is apprehended and brought to justice.”
Highlighting the collaborative efforts within the airport, CAC Orbih commended the robust and complementary relationship that exists between the Customs Command and sister agencies.
Subsequently, the Customs Area Controller handed over the apprehended suspect, along with the seized counterfeit currency and related materials, to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC will undertake appropriate measures to address the illegal activities uncovered during this operation.
This successful operation reflects the dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguarding the integrity of currency transactions and preventing criminal activities within the international travel domain.
