The Arab nations are becoming a popular destination for money launderers as another Nigerian has been arrested with $320,000 (N50.6m) cash at the Murtala Muhammed Airport on his way to Qatar.
The man, Onwuekwe Chidi was about to board a Qatar plane to Doha, when he was arrested.
Mr Epowei Charles, the Area Comptroller, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Customs Command, said though Chidi declared the money, he could not explain the source of the currency or show adequate proof of his business to customs officials.
“The passenger and the money had been handed over to officials of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for further investigations,” Charles said.
“At about 1300 hours on November 19, 2012, a passenger by name Onwuekwe Anthony Chidi, with passport number A04086671 was checking in on Qatar Airways.
“He declared US $320,000 on both forms CDFIA and CDFIB but he could not explain the source of the currency nor show adequate prove of his business to the customs officer at the currency desk at the `E` wing departure hall of the airport.“
Records show that the Customs and the EFCC have seized close to $11million (N1.7b) from Nigerian travellers, especially to Dubai and Doha in the last three months.
What beats analysts is why so much money that can be put to better use is being taken out of Nigeria where unemployment and poverty is increasing.
