LAGOS, Federal Republic of Nigeria. (Report by Olusegun Koiki) — National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says it is investigating alleged money laundering involving a 39-year-old South African lady, Nosisi Pam Ngqula.
NDLEA in a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated that the suspect was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, with $373,725 and €2,120 hidden inside packs of oats.
Ofoyeju explained that the money was detected during inward screening of passengers on a South African airline flight from Johannesburg.
He added that two Nigerians, Damian Akamelus, and Prophet Cyprian Chigere, were also being investigated by the antinarcotic agency in connection with the crime.
Commenting on the arrest, NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, said it was a suspected case of money laundering.
He said: “A South African lady, Nosisi Pam Ngqula, is being interrogated in connection with a suspected case of money laundering.
“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, Damian Akamelus and Prophet Cyprian Chigere, are also being interrogated in connection with the seized money.”
NDLEA Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Mrs. Victoria Egbase, said that refusal to declare the money and the manner of concealment were criminal and that the case was being investigated to establish possible link with drug trafficking.
The main suspect, Nosisi Pam Ngqula, who works in a cosmetic shop, said the bag containing the money was given to her by a Nigerian in South Africa.
In her confessional statement, she said she lived in Johannesburg, and she was given a bag by a Nigerian to deliver to one Damian Akamelus.
NDLEA Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, who commended the officers for detecting the money, ordered that the case be investigated to determine the source.
The investigation report is expected to be presented to the chairman for necessary action.
Meanwhile, officials of South Africa Embassy are said to be in touch with the suspect.
