The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced investigations into Phil-Olumba Sheila, who was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service for allegedly failing to declare significant sums of foreign currencies at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

Sheila was intercepted by Customs officers during a routine check on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom.

Upon interrogation, she claimed to be in possession of only $4,000.

However, a further search revealed she had $14,567, £1,030, and CA $40 in her possession, all of which she allegedly failed to declare.

A statement on Thursday by the EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the investigation would be done by the Lagos zonal office.

“The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos have commenced investigation of one Phil-Olumba Ifunaya Sheila arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, for allegedly failing to declare the sums of $14,567, £1030 and CA$40.

“Sheila was intercepted by operatives of the NCS during a routine check on Tuesday , July 22, 2025 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

“Upon arrest, the suspect, who was scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom, claimed she had only $4,000 on her,” the statement partly read.

In a related development, he also said the EFCC has also launched an investigation into a parcel intercepted by NCS and Nigerian Postal Service officials containing ZW\$101 trillion equivalent to N426.09 billion, and 41.64 million Vietnamese Dong, valued at approximately N95,746.

The Area Comptroller of Customs at the airport, E.J. Harrison, during the handover of the suspect and the intercepted parcel to EFCC officials, stated, “Today, we have two interceptions coming from different parts of the Command. One involves a suspect arrested at the airport, and the other, a suspicious parcel discovered during routine examination at NIPOST.”

He commended the vigilance of officers involved, noting that the agency remains committed to preventing the influx of questionable funds into the country.

Receiving the suspect and items, M.A. Timta, an EFCC operative representing the acting Zonal Director of Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ahmed Ghali, assured that the Commission would expedite investigations and, where necessary, ensure prosecution.

Timta also lauded the NCS for its continued efforts in curbing illicit financial transactions and assured the public of the EFCC’s resolve to tackle economic crimes in collaboration with relevant agencies. (The PUNCH)