The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into one Phil-Olumba Ifunaya Sheila, who was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for allegedly failing to declare substantial foreign currencies in her possession.
Sheila was apprehended during a routine screening on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, while preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom. Upon interception, she reportedly claimed to have only $4,000 on her.
However, a subsequent search revealed she was in possession of $14,567, £1,030 and CA$40, none of which were declared.
In a separate but related incident, the EFCC has also begun probing a parcel containing foreign currencies, intercepted by officials of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service. The parcel was found to contain ZW$101,000,000,000,000, with an estimated value of ₦426,091,066,068.06, and VND 41,640,000, valued at ₦95,746.52.
While handing over the suspect and the intercepted currencies to the EFCC, E.J. Harrison, Area Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Lagos Airport, explained the circumstances surrounding the seizures.
“Today, we are handing over two significant interceptions to the EFCC. One involves a passenger intercepted at the airport, while the other stems from our operations at NIPOST, which is also under our jurisdiction,” Harrison stated.
He added, “The second case involves a parcel discovered during a routine examination by our officers and NIPOST officials. Their vigilance revealed that someone attempted to bring in a large volume of foreign currencies into Nigeria. It is our duty to prevent such illicit inflows, and we are now transferring the case to the appropriate agency for further investigation.”
Receiving the suspect and the seized currencies, M.A. Timta, a representative of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, expressed appreciation for the collaboration with the Customs Service. He assured that the EFCC would act swiftly in investigating both the suspect and the suspicious parcel.
Speaking on behalf of the Acting Zonal Director, Ahmed Ghali, Timta commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and consistent efforts in curbing illicit financial activities across Nigeria’s borders.
