EFCC Probes Man Over Alleged $578,000 Cash Smuggling

EFCC probes man over alleged $578,000 cash smuggling. Effiong Harrison, area comptroller of customs at the airport, handed the suspect over to the EFCC on Friday for falsely declaring currency.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigating Okorie Sunday, who was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with $578,000 by the Nigeria Customs Service.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, saying the suspect would be charged to court following the investigation’s conclusion.

Mr Oyewale explained that Effiong Harrison, area comptroller of customs at the airport, handed the suspect over to the EFCC on Friday for falsely declaring currency.

He said Mr Sunday arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday and declared $279,000 at the currency declaration desk upon entry into the country.

However, customs officials discovered an additional $299,000 concealed in separate packages, bringing the total undeclared amount to $578,000, which led to his arrest. Further inspection revealed the suspect also hid €100 and a counterfeit $250 note.

EFCC Probes Man

EFCC’s acting zonal director, Lagos, Ahmed Ghali, received the suspect, commended customs for their cooperation and emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration.

He urged the public to declare any amount above $10,000 when entering or leaving Nigeria, in line with the country’s money laundering regulations.

Mr Ghali appealed to citizens to avoid false declarations, warning them that the law would catch up with those attempting to undermine financial transparency.

“We will not permit any action that sabotages the economy or financial system, as such conduct increases the risk of money laundering and economic instability,” he said.

Why Jonathan Liken Yahoo Boys To Nigerian Leaders, Lawmakers, Judges

Why Jonathan liken yahoo boys to Nigerian leaders, lawmakers, judges. Like Yahoo Boys, Nigerian leaders, lawmakers, judges contribute to country’s bad global image. Mr Jonathan said the actions of all arms of government contribute to the value of Nigeria’s passport.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the actions of executive, legislature and judicial officials affect Nigeria’s global image just like the activities of internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo Boys.

Mr Jonathan made this statement at the annual colloquium organised by the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja on Saturday, where he spoke on “Promoting social change and development through diversity, equity and inclusion.”

The former president accused the executive, legislature and judiciary of the lingering crisis in Rivers State, saying, “I always plead with our people that whatever we do affects everybody, and sometimes we do things, and we think that it doesn’t affect us.”

Mr Jonathan said the actions of all arms of government contribute to the value of Nigeria’s passport and the kind of treatment citizens get outside the country.

“Why is it that our passport is not valued that much? Why is it that Nigerians are not given the kind of treatment we’re supposed to receive at international airports?” Mr Jonathan queried.

“Sometimes, we think it’s because of ‘Yahoo Boys’ or 419. Not only them; yes, they are part of the problem,” the politician said. “But whatever happens in the country, decisions that are taken by the executive arm of government, decisions that are taken by the parliament and judicial decisions affect everybody.”

Mr Jonathan further said, “For example, no businessman can bring his money to invest in a country where the judiciary is compromised, where government functionaries can dictate to judges what judgment they will give.

Jonathan Liken Yahoo Boys To Nigerian Leaders

“No man brings his money to invest in that economy because we are taking a big risk. So whatever we do affects everybody, and if we want to build a nation where children and grandchildren will live, no matter how painful it is, we must strive to do what is right.”

Mr Jonathan’s statement comes amid lingering reputational damage from President Bola Tinubu’s sordid antecedent and sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Kogi lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who have continued to speak on international news platforms about her ordeal.

In January, Peoples Gazette reported how Mr Tinubu has hired lobbyists in the United States to help convince lawmakers and policymakers that he carries acceptable personal probity to lead Nigeria after suffering a reputational hit that followed reports of his involvement in illicit drug peddling and certificate fraud.

Senator Natasha Finally Reveals How Akpabio S3xually Harass Her

Senator Natasha finally reveals how Akpabio s3xually harass her. She said “Akpabio Told Me That My Husband Is Really Enjoying, That My Waist Would Make Really Good Movements”

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct and unruly behaviour” over her seating arrangement altercation with the senate president.

Her suspension came a day after she submitted a s3xual harassment petition against Akpabio on the floor of the senate.

In an interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan restated that the “gross misconduct” premise for her suspension was a smokescreen to silence her.

She said Akpabio frequently made s3xual advances towards her in and out of the senate chamber – and sometimes before other senators.

She alleged that Akpabio would “squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way”.
“There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work. And there were about five senators there.

And Akpabio said ‘oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?” she said.

“There was another time he made a statement like
‘Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist’.
He makes such s3xist statements. And then they (other senators) all laughed.”

Akpabio, Senator Natasha

Akpoti-Uduaghan broke down in tears when the interviewer asked what impact her victim shaming and intimidation claims have had on her.

“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?”