A 39-year-old South African lady is under interrogation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged money laundering.

The suspect, Nosisi Pam Nqgula was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos with 373,725 dollars (#73, 835, 00) and 2,120 Euros (#453,681) concealed inside five packs of oats.

A statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs of NDLEA, Ofoyeju Mitchell said the money was detected during an inward screening of passengers on a South African airline flight from Johannesburg.

According to the statement, NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar said it is a suspected case of money laundering and that the mode of concealment presents reasonable grounds for money laundering.

"The refusal to declare the money and the manner of concealment were criminal and that the case is being investigated to establish possible link with drug trafficking,"

In her statement, Nqgula who works in a cosmetic shop said that the bag containing the money was given to her by a Nigerian in South Africa.

"I live in Johannesburg, South Africa. I was given a bag by a Nigerian to deliver to one Damian Akamelu. During examination of my bags at the Lagos airport, the money was found inside packs of oats," she said. However, two Nigerians, Damian Akamelus and Prophet Cyprian Chigere are said to be under interrogation in connection with the seized money. The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Ahmadu Giade who commended the officers said he has directed that the case be investigated to ascertain the source of the money.

According to the statement, Officials of the South Africa Embassy are in touch with the suspect.