EFCC Re-Arraigns Man for Failing to Declare $90,000 at Lagos Airport

Money Laundering Charge

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Ahmed Shaw at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State, for failing to disclose $90,000 to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

As reported by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Shaw faces one count of money laundering before Justice Deinde Dipeolu.

“The defendant was arrested on March 3 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for non-declaration of $90,000,” the EFCC stated.

Legal Violation

The charge alleges Mr. Shaw violated Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which requires declaration of cash or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000. Violations carry penalties including forfeiture, minimum two-year imprisonment, or both.

Mr. Shaw initially pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Change of Plea

During the April 15 hearing, EFCC presented its first witness, NDLEA operative Danladi Ibrahim, who testified that the defendant failed to declare the funds.

Prosecution counsel Aminu Lawal led the witness in presenting evidence including the cash, defendant’s statement, and NDLEA handover note, all admitted by the court.

At Friday’s hearing, defense counsel E.I. Ogundeji informed the court of his client’s intention to change plea. Mr. Shaw was re-arraigned and pleaded guilty.

Case Adjourned for Judgment

Following the guilty plea, prosecution counsel Z.B. Atiku called EFCC operative Aminu Lawal to review case facts. Justice Dipeolu adjourned proceedings until May 6 for judgment.

Related Case

This follows EFCC’s recent conviction of Okorie Sunday, who received a six-month sentence for false currency declaration at the same airport. Mr. Sunday had declared $279,000 but was found with an additional $299,000 concealed in packages, totaling $578,000.

Credit: Premium Times