39-year-old South African woman, Nosisi Nqgula, was recently arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly smuggling foreign currencies worth about N710.7m to Nigeria.
The suspect, who claimed she was given a bag containing the money by a Nigerian to deliver to Damian Akamelu, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos with $373,725 and €2,120 hidden inside packs of oats.
“I live in Johannesburg. I was given a bag by a Nigerian to deliver to Damian Akamelu,”she said.
According to reports gathered Punch, the discovery was made during a screening of passengers on a South African airline flight coming into Nigeria from Johannesburg.
The two Nigerians linked in connection with this money laundering incident, Damian Akamelu and Prophet Cyprian Chigere are currently under interrogation by NDLEA.
The NDLEA Commander at the airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, speaking on the incident said:
“The mode of concealment presents reasonable grounds for money laundering.
“Five packs of oats were found to contain $373,725 and €2,120. Two Nigerians are also being interrogated.”