$8 m Cash Haul: Customs Hunt For Owners

Those behind the attempt to smuggle over $8million out of the country may never be known, sources at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, told the magazine in relation to the seizure of $8.06 million by the Nigerian Customs Service.

Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Hamid Ali, today in Lagos, displayed a haul of hard currency, some yet to be identified persons, were trying to fly out of the country.

But few hours after, many questions are being asked as to why the NCS rushed to announce the seizures without first identifying the money laundering syndicate behind it.

Under the money laundering Act, a traveller is expected to declare hard currency in excess of $10,000, analysts say.

But this particular one  is way out of that and the suggestion is that owners of the cash are powerful individuals in the country whose influence is beyond the CG.

“If that’s the case, that may be the last Nigerians will hear over the seizure,” an analyst said.

According to him, that huge amount cannot belong to ordinary Nigerian, adding that ” the CG cannot go beyond what he has done, at least to show to his bosses that he’s working.

He explained that the identification of the owners and punishing same would have served as deterrent to others.

Plan may be in the offing to quickly sweep that matter under the carpet ” because of dangers of exposing those involved” he said.

He said the two persons arrested by NCS are ” mere errand boys doing dirty jobs for some individuals, whose identity may neber be known.”

Ali had disclosed that two persons have been nabbed in connection with the seizure and that investigation is ongoing.

While displaying the seizure in Lagos, the CG said  a vehicle belonging to NAHCO, was used to carry the carefully packed cash to the aircraft, so as to avoid detection by his men.

He said, “The money is way too much in excess of what is required by law.

The money was not declared in accordance with the law as such movement contravenes. Surprisingly, some of the wrapped cash had names written on them.

“The seizure was made in 20 sealed wraps contained in six Ghana-must-go bags.”

“We have commenced preliminary Investigation and two suspects have been arrested in connection with the money. The two person are in custody,” he stated.