By Erewunmi Peace

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned an Austrian national before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over the alleged failure to declare a large sum of foreign currency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The defendant was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on the non-declaration of $800,575 and €651,505, funds the anti-graft agency said were discovered during a routine screening while he was preparing to travel out of Nigeria.

According to the EFCC, the incident occurred on December 16, 2025, when operatives intercepted the foreigner during an outbound clearance process at the airport. The total value of the undeclared cash is estimated at approximately ₦2.28 billion.

The commission stated that the alleged offence contravenes provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which requires travelers to declare foreign currencies above approved thresholds to relevant authorities.

During the court session, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. His legal counsel subsequently filed a bail application, which was opposed by the prosecution.

The presiding judge adjourned the matter to a later date to hear and rule on the bail application, while the defendant was remanded pending the court’s decision.

The EFCC reiterated that the arraignment forms part of its ongoing efforts to enforce Nigeria’s financial regulations and curb illicit financial flows through the country’s ports of entry.