The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a man at the Murtala Mohammed international airport for being in possession of US$2,198,900.
A statement released on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 John Ibiteye, 46, is being investigated for suspected money laundering case.
Reports from Premium Times says Ibiteye was arrested on his way to Abuja
Spokesperson for the NDLEA says Ibiteye action was against the money laundering prohibition act 2011 as amended.
He said; “He alleged that the money belongs to one Dr. Martins Olufemi Thomas, a medical practitioner in Lagos. Investigation conducted by the Agency did not link the money to proceeds of narcotics.
“However, a country having insurgency challenge cannot afford to ignore suspicious movement of large amount of money.”
In his statement, Mr. Ibiteye said that he is a Bureau De Change operator.
“I used to work for Ebi Bureau De Change at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja before I established my company with the name ND&C Global Investment Limited which is yet to be fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC),” he said.
“One of my clients, Dr. Martins Olufemi Thomas gave me the said amount to take to Abuja. I was arrested by NDLEA officers while checking-in the money at MM2 on my way to Abuja.”
Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmed Giade, said the money has been transferred to the EFCC for further investigation.
