Photos: NDLEA arrests South African lady with N74m concealed in oats packs

A 39-year-old South African woman identified as Nosisi Nqgula was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with $373,725 (N74.4million) and €2,120 (N450,000), concealed inside packs of oats found in her luggage (above).

According to a statement by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA Lagos Airport Command, the money was discovered during an inward screening of passengers on a South African airline flight enroute from Johannesburg.


Two Nigerians, Damian Akamelu and Prophet Cyprian Chigere are being interrogated in connection with the seized money.

The South African lady, Ms Nqgula (pictured) when interrogated said she was sent by a Nigerian to give the concealed money to one Akamelu

“I live in Johannesburg. I was given a bag by a Nigerian to deliver to Damian Akamelu. During examination of my bags at the Lagos airport, the money was found inside packs of oats.” she said.

The NDLEA Commander at the airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, said the manner in which the money was concealed was questionable

“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.”he said NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade while commenting on the arrest said the agency will investigate the matter so as to know the source of the money "I have therefore directed that the case be investigated to ascertain the source of the money.” he said