The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said it has intercepted a man carrying US$2,198,900 at the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.
In a statement Wednesday, the agency said that one John Ibiteye, 46, is being investigated in connection with the suspected money laundering case.
The suspect was apprehended on his way to Abuja, the NDLEA said.
“Preliminary investigation conducted by the Assets and Financial Investigation Directorate of the NDLEA revealed that Ibiteye’s action is in contravention of the money laundering prohibition act 2011 as amended,” the anti-narcotics agency said in the statement by Mitchell Ofoyeju, its Spokesperson.
“He alleged that the money belongs to one Dr. Martins Olufemi Thomas, a medical practitioner in Lagos. Investigation conducted by the Agency did not link the money to proceeds of narcotics.
“However, a country having insurgency challenge cannot afford to ignore suspicious movement of large amount of money.”
In his statement, Mr. Ibiteye said that he is a Bureau De Change operator.
“I used to work for Ebi Bureau De Change at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja before I established my company with the name ND&C Global Investment Limited which is yet to be fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC),” he said.
“One of my clients, Dr. Martins Olufemi Thomas gave me the said amount to take to Abuja. I was arrested by NDLEA officers while checking-in the money at MM2 on my way to Abuja.”
Ahmadu Giade, NDLEA Chairman, said that the suspect and the cash would be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further action.
(Premium Times)
