The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, has commenced investigation into Haruna Yusuf and foreign currencies worth $73,000, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The suspect and the recovered currencies were formally handed over to the EFCC by the Acting Customs Area Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, at the Customs Area Command in Kano.
The currencies were intercepted during routine primary and secondary screening of arriving passengers between August 8 and 12, 2026.
Receiving the suspect and exhibits on behalf of the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, was the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE1), Friday S. Ebelo.
According to Adamu, Customs officers made two separate interceptions.
On August 8, officers conducting passenger screening at the airport intercepted an unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage containing 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300. The currencies were allegedly concealed inside footwear.
Five days later, on August 12, officers flagged luggage belonging to Yusuf, who arrived at MAKIA aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.
During secondary screening using Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology, Customs officers discovered $20,000 and £15,957 allegedly concealed inside sports shoes.
Adamu subsequently handed over Yusuf and all recovered exhibits to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He said the handover was carried out pursuant to Section 4(f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which empowers the Service to collaborate with other border regulatory agencies.
“These interceptions demonstrate the readiness and vigilance of our officers in detecting cross-border movement of undeclared foreign currencies above the allowed threshold,” Adamu said, adding that the Command would continue to deploy technology, professional expertise and intelligence-driven measures to strengthen border controls.
Receiving the suspect and exhibits, Ebelo commended the Customs Service for its professionalism and cooperation with EFCC personnel recently deployed to the airport.
He warned against the illegal movement of large sums of cash across Nigeria’s borders, stressing that failure to declare currency and its equivalent constitutes a violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Ebelo urged travellers to comply with the law, clarifying that declaring currency does not in itself attract a penalty, while the source of undeclared funds could raise legal concerns.
“As much as we are Nigerians and we encourage trade in and out of the country, people must adhere to the laws of the land. You must declare the currency you are carrying. If you declare it, nobody will seize your currency,” he said.
He reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and pursuing prosecution where necessary in accordance with the law.
Both officials commended the longstanding collaboration between the EFCC and NCS, describing the partnership as critical to tackling financial crimes and curbing illicit movement of cash across Nigeria’s borders.
