The Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) has disassociated itself from the $8 million intercepted by the Nigeria customs at the tarmac of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Narrating how the money was intercepted, Hameed Ali, the customs comptroller-general, at a press conference in Lagos, said the money was found in a vehicle belonging to the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO).

One suspect, identified as Chimezie Okonkwo, who is the driver of the vehicle has been arrested and taken into custody for further investigation, Mr Ali said.

But In a statement on Tuesday, the management of NAHCO denied having anything to do with the seized cash.

“Our attention has been brought to a press conference earlier today by the Comptroller – General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Col. Hammed Alli (rtd) to the effect that a vehicle belonging to NAHCO was intercepted with some cash in foreign currencies as it conveyed the money to an aircraft at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos,” the agency said in a statement.

“We wish to state unequivocally that NAHCO as an organization has no connection whatsoever with this alleged act.

“The company has initiated contact with the Nigerian Customs Service’ hierarchy to provide it with details of this incident.

“As a responsible corporate organisation, NAHCO will cooperate with all regulators, agencies and other stakeholders in not only finding out the truth about this unfortunate incident, but also rooting out malpractices in the sector.

“The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company does not condone irresponsible and criminal behaviour. The Company takes seriously the trust of its esteemed clients, partners and other stakeholders, both local and international, and will do everything to protect that trust,” the statement added.