The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned an Austrian national, Kavlak Onal, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over his alleged failure to declare foreign currencies totalling $800,575 and €651,505 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale in a statement issued on Friday, noted that Onal was arraigned on Friday, January 9, 2026, before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC.
The anti-graft agency said the defendant was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service while attempting to board an Emirates Airline flight to Dubai on December 16, 2025.
He was intercepted during a routine check at the Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism Currency Declaration Desk at the airport.
The EFCC said the suspect was subsequently handed over to the commission for further investigation, which led to his arraignment on a two-count charge bordering on money laundering.
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One of the charges read that Onal failed to declare the sum of $800,575 to the Nigeria Customs Service at the Lagos airport, an offence punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022.
The second count accused him of also failing to declare €651,505 in his possession at the same airport, contrary to the same provisions of the Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Bala Buhari, requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility.
However, defence counsel, Stanley Imhanruor, informed the court that a bail application had been filed on behalf of his client.
Responding, the prosecution said it was served with the bail application at about 9.07am on Friday and requested time to study and respond to it.
Justice Bogoro consequently adjourned the case till January 16, 2026, for hearing of the bail application.
