The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says its operatives have intercepted “undeclared” $420,000 and other foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The seizure was announced on Tuesday during a press briefing
at the Customs House in Bompai.
Three suspects were handed over to the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
Dalhatu Abubakar, comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Area
Command, said the arrest followed credible intelligence and a clearance
operation by officers at the airport.
He said Ahmed Salisu, a passenger with a Ghanaian passport,
was flagged after arriving from Saudi Arabia aboard an Ethiopian Airlines
flight.
“Upon arrival, the suspect, like other passengers, was
reminded of the legal obligation to declare foreign currencies exceeding
$10,000,” he said.
The comptroller said a physical inspection of the
passenger’s baggage led to the discovery of foreign currencies hidden inside
cartons of clothing.
The items recovered include $420,900, £5,825, 3.9 million
West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs, all valued at
₦653.9 million.
Abubakar said the suspect failed to declare the funds on
arrival as required by law.
He added that the interception reflects ongoing
collaboration with the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other
Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to protect Nigeria’s financial system and
security.
Speaking at the briefing, a representative of the EFCC
confirmed the handover and said investigations had commenced.
He said the case would be prosecuted under the Money
Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Nigeria Customs
Service Act, 2023.
Below are photos.
 |
| the suspects |
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