The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced an investigation into two male suspects, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, over the alleged non-declaration of a total sum of $461,600 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State.
The official reporter for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission disclosed in a statement on Monday that the suspects were arrested on Friday, May 8, 2026, after arriving in Nigeria from Dubai aboard Ethiopian Airlines ET941.
According to the report released, the suspects were intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, during routine currency declaration procedures at the airport.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that the suspects initially declared $130,000 and $180,000, respectively, at the currency declaration desk.
However, further physical examination conducted by Customs officers reportedly uncovered additional undeclared sums hidden in their possession.
The Commission stated that an extra $120,000 was allegedly discovered on the first suspect, bringing the total amount in his possession to $250,000, while an additional $31,600 was found on the second suspect, increasing his total to $211,600.
The report noted that the undeclared funds contravened Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Speaking during the handover of the suspects to the EFCC, the acting customs area controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, commended the collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the anti-graft agency in tackling financial crimes and the illegal movement of cash across the country.
Adamu stated, “Let me express appreciation for the continuous collaboration with the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate for their support in realising our goal while combating the illegal movement of cash.”
The Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, assured the Customs Service that the Commission would carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.
“The EFCC will conduct a thorough and uncompromising investigation into this matter. We will prosecute the case with the utmost diligence to ensure that violators of our anti-money laundering laws face the full weight of justice,” Ebelo stated.
He also appreciated the Nigeria Customs Service for its sustained partnership with the commission, describing inter-agency cooperation as vital in the fight against financial crimes.
Ebelo added that the collaboration between both agencies had continued to strengthen efforts aimed at combating money laundering and the illegal movement of cash across Nigeria’s borders.
Following the formal handover, the suspects, alongside the recovered undeclared currency and other exhibits, were moved to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, where investigations are ongoing.
The Commission stated that the suspects may face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
