The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Kavlak Onal, an Austrian national, for allegedly failing to declare a large sum of foreign currency at the Lagos airport.
The EFCC said Onal was intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) while attempting to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“He was arrested on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos for allegedly failing to declare the sums of $800,575 and €651,505 in his possession,” the commission stated.
Receiving the suspect from the Customs Service, ACE II Adejumo Richard, head of the Foreign Exchange Malpractices Section (FEMS), commended the NCS for its role in the arrest.
“I would like to extend our sincere appreciation and commendation to the Nigerian Customs Service for its outstanding efforts and excellent synergy displayed so far,” he said.
“Your dedication to duty and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in advancing our shared objectives.”
In October, security operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos apprehended a group of passengers found with $6.1 million in cash.
The suspects, described as young men, were intercepted at the domestic terminal while preparing to board an Aero Contractors flight.
The men were believed to be couriers for a politically exposed person (PEP), though their identities and intended destinations were not immediately revealed.