RismadarVoice Reporters
August 17, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into a suspect, Haruna Yusuf, following the interception of large amounts of undeclared foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC received the suspect and the recovered currencies from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) after two separate interceptions at the airport.
The currencies involved were $73,300, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals.
The Acting Customs Area Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, formally handed over the suspect and exhibits to the EFCC at the Customs Area Command in Kano.
According to Adamu, the first interception occurred on August 8, 2026, during passenger screening at the airport.
Customs officers reportedly discovered 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300 concealed inside footwear found 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 officers subjected the passenger’s luggage to secondary screening using Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology, leading to the discovery of $20,000 and £15,957 concealed inside sports shoes.
The total amount recovered from the two interceptions was therefore $73,300, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals.
Adamu said the handover was carried out pursuant to Section 4(f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which provides for collaboration between Customs and other border regulatory agencies.
He said the interceptions demonstrated the vigilance of Customs personnel in detecting attempts to move undeclared foreign currency across Nigeria’s borders.
The Customs official added that the command would continue to deploy technology, intelligence and professional expertise, alongside cooperation with other agencies, to strengthen border controls and protect the country’s financial system.
Receiving the suspect and exhibits on behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the Acting Zonal Director of the Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, commended Customs personnel for their cooperation.
Ebelo said closer monitoring at Nigeria’s entry points was necessary to prevent the illegal movement of large amounts of cash.
He noted that failure to declare currency above the applicable threshold constitutes an offence under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The EFCC official urged travellers to comply with the law by declaring foreign currency in their possession when required.
He stressed that declaring currency does not automatically lead to its seizure, but that questions could arise regarding funds that are concealed or whose source cannot be satisfactorily established.
Ebelo assured the public that the EFCC would conduct a thorough investigation and pursue prosecution where the evidence establishes a violation of the law.
Both officials commended the existing cooperation between the EFCC and NCS, describing the partnership as important to tackling financial crimes and the illegal movement of cash through Nigeria’s borders.
