EFCC Arraigns Austrian National Over Undeclared $800,575 and €651,505
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned Kavlak Onal, an Austrian national, for allegedly attempting to smuggle large sums of foreign currency out of Nigeria.
Onal appeared before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Lagos, facing a two-count charge for failing to declare $800,575 and €651,505 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja.
Details of the Charges
The first count alleged that Onal failed to declare $800,575 to the Nigeria Customs Service during outward clearance at the airport on December 13, 2025. The offence is punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022.
The second count similarly accused him of failing to declare €651,505 to customs on the same date, under the same provision of the law.
Onal pleaded not guilty to both charges.
EFCC Seizes Over N2 Billion in Foreign Currency
EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari told the court that Onal was intercepted while attempting to travel to Australia by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service’s anti-money laundering unit. The undeclared currencies were valued at over N2 billion.
Buhari requested that Onal be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) pending trial.
Bail Application Submitted
In his defence, Onal’s lawyer, Sterlin Imhemuro, said a bail application had been filed and served on the EFCC, urging that his client be remanded with the EFCC rather than the correctional facility.
The EFCC noted that the prosecution received the bail application the same day and requested time to review it.
Court Adjourns for Bail Determination
After hearing submissions, Justice Bogoro adjourned the case to January 16, 2026, for further hearing and determination of the bail application.
Also Read:EFCC Arrests Aisha Achimugu at Abuja Airport Over Money Laundering Allegations
