EFCC nabs Lebanese with ‘over $2m’ at Abuja airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the arrest of one Abbas Lakis, a Lebanese, for money laundering offence.

Operatives of the agency were said to have nabbed Lakis at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while he was attempting to smuggle a huge sum of money out of the country.

The agency said it followed an intelligence report that the lebanese was in possession of undeclared huge sums of monies aboard the Egypt Airline bringing him from the Kano Airport en route Lebanon.

“After a thorough search of the suspect at the airport, it was discovered he had $2,104,936 (Two million, one hundred and four thousand, nine hundred and thirty six dollars), £163, 740 (One hundred and sixty three thousand, seven hundred and forty pounds) and €144,680 (One hundred and forty four thousand, six hundred and eighty euros),” EFCC said in a statement.

“Among other currencies found with Lakis were Riyal 391,838 (three hundred and ninety one thousand, eight hundred and thirty eight riyals), CHF 3,420 (Three thousand four hundred and twenty swiss franc), Lira 435 (Four hundred and thirty five lira), £109,000 (One hundred and nine thousand Lebanese pounds), Dirhams 10,135 (Ten thousand one hundred and thirty five UAE Dirhams) ¥10,000 (Ten thousand Chinese yuan) and Riyal 10 (Ten Qatar riyal).”

The EFCC said the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.