Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned an Austrian national, Kavlak Onal, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of failing to declare large sums of foreign currency while attempting to leave the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
According to court documents and statements from the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 in Ikoyi, the defendant was intercepted by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service and aviation security officials during outbound screening. He was allegedly found in possession of $800,000 and €651,000 in cash, sums that were not declared as required under Nigerian law.
The anti-graft agency said the alleged offence contravenes provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and relevant foreign exchange regulations enforced by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Under Nigerian law, travelers are required to declare any amount exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent when entering or exiting the country.
The EFCC told the court that failure to declare such sums raises red flags linked to money laundering, terrorism financing and illicit financial flows, all of which Nigeria has pledged to combat in line with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Onal pleaded not guilty to the charge. The presiding judge granted him bail under strict conditions, including the surrender of travel documents and the provision of sureties, while the case was adjourned for trial.
The EFCC said the seizure and prosecution underscore its intensified focus on cross-border financial crimes, particularly undeclared cash movements through Nigeria’s airports. In recent years, the commission has recorded several arrests involving both Nigerians and foreign nationals attempting to move large sums of money without disclosure.
Customs authorities have repeatedly warned travelers that Nigeria operates a strict cash declaration regime and that violations attract criminal prosecution, forfeiture of funds, or both. The EFCC added that it will continue to collaborate with customs, immigration and airport security agencies to tighten surveillance at major entry and exit points.
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