The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced investigation into two suspects arrested for allegedly failing to declare a total of $461,600 at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects, identified as Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, were apprehended 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 currency declaration desk operated by the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
However, a subsequent physical examination conducted by Customs officers reportedly uncovered additional undeclared sums of $120,000 on Waya, increasing his total cash possession to $250,000, and another $31,600 on Namadi, bringing his total to $211,600.
The anti-graft agency stated that the undeclared funds violate Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Speaking during the handover of the suspects, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, commended the collaboration between the Customs Service and the EFCC in tackling financial crimes and the illegal movement of cash across borders.
Receiving the suspects on behalf of the Commission, the Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE1) Friday S. Ebelo, assured that the agency would carry out a thorough investigation and ensure diligent prosecution of 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 said.
He also praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its continued cooperation with the Commission, describing inter-agency collaboration as vital in the fight against financial crimes.
Adamu, in his remarks, similarly expressed appreciation to the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate for its sustained support in combating illicit cash movements.
Following the formal handover, the suspects, alongside the recovered funds and other exhibits, were transferred to the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate for further investigation and possible prosecution.
