The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, has commenced an investigation into the interception of large sums of foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The intercepted funds include $86,500 (Eighty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars), 305,150 Saudi Riyals (Three Hundred and Five Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Riyals), and €200 (Two Hundred Euros).
According to reports, officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) discovered the currencies concealed within an unaccompanied bag suspected to have been smuggled into the country. The discovery was made on Sunday, April 27, 2025, when a clearing agent identified as Sale Bala attempted to retrieve the suspicious bag.
Upon physical inspection by Customs officers, the foreign currencies were found hidden inside bedspreads (duvets) and packs of dates tucked into the luggage. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Sale Bala and another suspect, Abdullahi Tahir, who was allegedly assigned to receive the bag after clearance procedures.
The confiscated money was officially handed over to the EFCC by Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Abdulahi Hashim and received on behalf of the Commission by Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Aminu Bashir.
The EFCC confirmed that the suspects, along with the seized funds, are currently in the Commission’s custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
In a statement, the EFCC commended the vigilance of the Nigeria Customs Service and reiterated the crucial role of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy. The Commission emphasized the need for strict adherence to legal protocols governing the movement of cash in and out of the country.
As part of their ongoing efforts to ensure compliance and educate stakeholders, the EFCC, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Customs Service, had on Saturday, April 26, 2025, organized a sensitization program. The event aimed at enlightening the bureau de change community, travel agencies, airport authorities, pilgrim boards, and the Kano Chamber of Commerce and Industry about the legal requirements surrounding cash movements as stipulated by Nigerian laws and regulations. The program recorded a large turnout and emphasized the consequences of non-compliance.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to tackling financial crimes and protecting Nigeria’s financial system through continuous
