Nahco aviance denies its vehicle was used for the illicit business
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) command at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos has impounded $8,065,612m (about N2, 929, 685,309.79 billion) concealed in 20 sealed wraps.
The comptroller of NCS, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) who disclosed this at a press conference held at the airport on Tuesday said each wrap, which was in $100 denomination, bore someone’s name.
However, he said it is not a crime to ferry money out of the country, but noted any amount in excess of $10,000 must be declared to customs by the owners.
“Currently, the value of the threshold in Nigeria is the equivalent of $10,000 and above. Therefore, all travellers in and out of Nigeria must declare any physical cash in excess of this threshold of $10,000 or equivalent of other currencies or monetary instruments.
“The question is often asked, why do customs or any agency of government need to know if a private person or company is taking out monies for their personal business out of the country.
“It is for the reason that criminal activities like international terrorism, drug smuggling and arms proliferation are financed by illicit cash movements outside the recognised financial systems,” he added.
Ali said the money, concealed in six sacks was conveyed in a coaster bus to a waiting aircraft.
The comptroller general also disclosed that the incident happened on Friday, January 16, 2020 at the E- Wing of the tarmac and that one suspect was arrested in connection with the currency trafficking.
The next day, Ali said the service took an inventory of the consignment in the presence of the Directorate of State Security, customs intelligence unit, anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing unit, customs police and the suspect where the sum was confirmed.
Meanwhile, Ali said the service had begun investigation into the consignment to get the bona fide owners and cohorts in the attempted smuggling.
He added that after thorough investigation, the money and the suspect would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for interrogation.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nacho aviance) has denied reports that its vehicle was used to ferry the money to the aircraft.
Spokesman for the company, Mr. Tayo Ajakaye said in a statement that “nacho as an organisation has no connection whatsoever with this alleged act.”
He said the company had initiated contact with the NCS to provide it with details of the incident.
“As a responsible corporate organisation, nahco will cooperate with all regulators, agencies and other stakeholders in not only finding out the truth about this unfortunate incident, but also rooting out malpractices in the sector.
“The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company does not condone irresponsible and criminal behaviour.
The company takes seriously the trust of its esteemed clients, partners and other stakeholders, both local and international, and will do everything to protect that trust,” Ajakaye added.
