Security officials at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, have intercepted two passengers, Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, for allegedly attempting to board a flight with undeclared foreign currency amounting to $6,180 and £53,415.
The suspects were apprehended during routine security checks before boarding an Aero Contractors flight.
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), located at Okotie Eboh Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, have reportedly commenced investigations into the matter.
Confirming the incident, Aero Contractors Managing Director, Capt. Ado Sanusi, said the airline’s flight experienced a brief delay after its security personnel observed the passengers carrying unusually heavy bags into the aircraft cabin.
“My head of security reported to me that a flight was slightly delayed because one of our security agents noticed some passengers carrying heavy luggage into the cabin and advised them to check in the bags if the cabin could not accommodate them,” Sanusi said.
According to him, the passengers refused, explaining that the bags contained money.
“They were informed that such cash must be declared because there are procedures for boarding flights with large sums of money. Then they claimed to be security agents carrying a suspect, and that the money was an exhibit,” Sanusi stated.
The airline security personnel reportedly questioned the claim, noting that proper procedures exist for transporting suspects on flights.
“Another security agent later came and said they would not travel. So, they were deboarded at that point. We are not sure how much the money is,” the Aero Contractors MD added.
The EFCC is expected to determine the legality and source of the cash as investigations continue.
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