Passengers Arrested with $6.1 Million Cash at Lagos Airport — EFCC Probes Politically Exposed Links

By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News

Security operatives at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA1), Lagos State, have arrested a group of passengers caught travelling with an astonishing $6.1 million in cash, sparking investigations into possible money laundering involving politically exposed persons.

According to information obtained by The Bureau News, the suspects — described as a group of young men — were intercepted at the domestic terminal of the airport while preparing to board an Aero Contractors flight. Multiple security sources confirmed that the passengers are believed to be couriers working for a Politically Exposed Person (PEP), although their exact identities and destination remain undisclosed.

The group was detained by operatives of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit after a routine screening exercise revealed the unusually large amount of foreign currency in their possession. Following their arrest, they were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for interrogation and further investigation.

“We are still working with the EFCC to unravel the full details,” a senior AVSEC official told The Bureau News on Saturday under the condition of anonymity.

Security officials familiar with the operation confirmed that the EFCC has begun tracing the source of the money, seeking to determine whether it was linked to political financing or illicit currency movements. The case has already drawn attention within intelligence circles due to the suspicious manner in which the funds were being transported.

This latest development echoes a similar incident in 2020, when Nigerian Customs officers at the Lagos airport intercepted $8,065,612 being illegally ferried out of the country aboard an international airline. The sum was discovered concealed in 20 wraps inside a coaster bus on the airport tarmac, an operation that was then announced by the former Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd.).

Analysts say the recent arrest reinforces long-standing concerns over the use of Nigeria’s airports for illicit cash movements and money laundering operations, often involving politically connected individuals.

The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement, but sources within the Commission told The Bureau News that a formal update would be released after preliminary investigations are concluded.

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