Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have commenced investigations into an Austrian national, Kavlak Onal, over allegations of failing to declare a substantial sum of foreign currency at the Lagos airport.
The EFCC disclosed on Wednesday that Onal was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) while attempting to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
According to the anti-graft agency, the suspect was apprehended on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, for allegedly failing to declare $800,575 and €651,505 found in his possession, as required by law.
While formally receiving the suspect from the Customs Service, the Head of the Foreign Exchange Malpractices Section (FEMS), ACE II Adejumo Richard—speaking on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede—praised the Customs Service for its vigilance and strong inter-agency cooperation.
He commended the NCS for its “outstanding efforts and excellent synergy,” noting that its dedication and collaborative spirit were critical to advancing the shared objective of combating financial crimes and protecting Nigeria’s financial system.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of intensified scrutiny of illicit cash movements through Nigerian airports. In October 2025, SaharaReporters reported that security operatives at the same airport intercepted a group of passengers allegedly found in possession of $6.1 million in cash.
The suspects, described as young men, were arrested at the domestic terminal while preparing to board an Aero Contractors flight. Security sources indicated at the time that they were believed to be couriers for a politically exposed person, although their identities and intended destination were not immediately disclosed.