EFCC Arraigns Austrian National Over Undeclared Foreign Currency at Lagos Airport

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

According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant was found in possession of $800,585 and €651,505 while attempting to travel to Dubai aboard an Emirates Airlines flight. The funds were allegedly concealed and not declared as required under Nigeria’s financial and anti-money laundering laws.

Onal was intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service during routine checks at the airport and subsequently handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution. The arrest reportedly took place on December 16, 2025.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspect is facing charges linked to foreign exchange malpractices, following preliminary investigations by its Lagos Zonal Directorate.

Officials of the Commission commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and inter-agency cooperation, noting that such collaboration remains critical in curbing illicit financial flows through Nigeria’s borders.

The case underscores ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to tighten enforcement against the illegal movement of undeclared foreign currency, particularly at international airports, amid rising concerns over money laundering and related financial crimes.