EFCC airport cash seizure investigation begins after two suspects were caught with undeclared $461,600 at Kano airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced an investigation into two male suspects arrested over the alleged non-declaration of $461,600 at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

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The suspects, identified as Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, were intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, after arriving from Dubai aboard Ethiopian Airline flight ET941 on Friday, May 8, 2026.

According to the EFCC, the suspects initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the airport’s currency declaration desk. However, a detailed physical examination conducted by customs officers reportedly uncovered additional undeclared sums concealed by both men.

Customs officials said an extra $120,000 was found on Jamilu Shuaibu Waya, increasing the total amount in his possession to $250,000, while another $31,600 was discovered on Usman Namadi, bringing his total to $211,600.

The undeclared funds allegedly contravene 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 anti-graft agency for its continued support and cooperation.

“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,” Adamu said.

Receiving the suspects on behalf of the commission, the Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Friday S. Ebelo, assured the Nigeria Customs Service that the case would be thoroughly investigated.

“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.

The EFCC airport cash seizure case has further highlighted growing concerns over illicit cross-border cash movement and financial crimes linked to undeclared foreign currency transactions.

Ebelo also praised the long-standing collaboration between both agencies, describing inter-agency cooperation as vital in strengthening Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework.

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Following the formal handover, the suspects, alongside the recovered funds and other exhibits, were transferred to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, where further investigation and possible prosecution are ongoing.