The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched an investigation into two suspects arrested for allegedly failing to declare a total of $461,600 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects, identified as Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, were apprehended on May 8, 2026, upon arrival from Dubai aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
According to findings, the duo initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the currency declaration desk of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
However, a subsequent physical search by Customs officers uncovered additional undeclared sums. Waya was found with an extra $120,000, raising his total to $250,000, while Namadi had an additional $31,600, bringing his total to $211,600.
Officials said the undeclared funds contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which mandates full disclosure of cash above the approved threshold.
Following the discovery, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, handed over the suspects and the recovered funds to the EFCC for further investigation.
Confirming the development, the Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, Friday S. Ebelo, said the commission had commenced a full-scale probe and would prosecute the suspects if found culpable.
He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and sustained collaboration with the anti-graft agency in tackling illicit financial flows and cross-border cash smuggling.
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