By Seun Ibiyemi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into a suspect, Haruna Yusuf, and multiple foreign currencies worth $73,300, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The suspect and the currencies were handed over to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC by the Acting Customs Area Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, following two separate interceptions between August 8 and August 12, 2026.
The currencies, which exceeded the legally permitted threshold, were intercepted during routine primary and secondary screening of arriving passengers at the airport.
According to Adamu, the first interception occurred on August 8 when Customs officers discovered 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300 concealed inside footwear in an unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage.
A second interception was made on August 12 involving Yusuf, who arrived at MAKIA aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.
Adamu said secondary screening using Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology led to the discovery of $20,000 and £15,957 concealed inside sportswear shoes in Yusuf’s luggage.
The Customs official subsequently handed over Yusuf and the recovered currencies to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution.
He said the handover was conducted in line with Section 4(f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which empowers the Service to collaborate with other border regulatory agencies.
Adamu said the seizures demonstrated the vigilance of Customs officers in detecting attempts to move undeclared foreign currencies across Nigeria’s borders.
Receiving the suspect and exhibits on behalf of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the Acting Zonal Director of the Kano Directorate, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, commended the Customs Service for its cooperation and professionalism.
Ebelo warned against the illegal movement of large sums of cash across Nigeria’s borders, stressing that failure to declare foreign currency beyond the permissible threshold constitutes a violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
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He, however, clarified that declaring foreign currency does not attract a penalty.
“If you declare it, nobody will seize your currency,” Ebelo said, urging travellers to comply with the relevant laws.
He assured that the EFCC would conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute any offences established in accordance with the law.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration to combat financial crimes, illicit cash movements and other forms of cross-border financial misconduct
