The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted over N653 million worth of undeclared foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The seizure was announced during a press briefing held at the Customs House, Bompai, Kano, where the intercepted funds and three suspects were formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
The interception was made after a suspect, Ahmed Salisu, a holder of a Ghanaian passport, arrived from Saudi Arabia onboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
Upon arrival, the suspect was reminded of the legal obligation to declare foreign currencies exceeding $10,000 but declined.
A physical search of his baggage revealed concealed cash amounting to $420,900, £5,825, 3,946,500 West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs, collectively valued at over ₦653.9 million.
The Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, described the interception as a testament to the Service’s unwavering commitment to national security and the ongoing collaboration with other agencies.
He noted that the arrest highlights the result of proactive enforcement, continuous stakeholder sensitisation, and the renewed focus on border surveillance.
The EFCC’s Zonal Director of its Kano Command praised the synergy between both agencies and reaffirmed the EFCC’s determination to pursue prosecution of the case in accordance with the law.
He stressed that the seizure and arrest were made in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
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