EFCC Probes Seizure Of Foreign Currencies Worth Over $86,000 At Kano Airport
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into the seizure of $86,500, 305,150 Saudi Riyals, and €200 by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
According to the EFCC, the foreign currencies were discovered on Sunday, April 27, 2025, concealed in an unaccompanied bag suspected to have been smuggled into the country. The bag was intercepted when a clearing agent attempted to retrieve it.
“Upon physical inspection, Customs officers found the currencies hidden inside bedspreads and packages of dates tucked within the luggage,” the EFCC stated in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two suspects: Bala and Abdullahi Tahir, the latter reportedly assigned to collect the bag after it cleared customs.
The seized money was formally handed over to the EFCC by Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdulahi Hashim and received by Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Aminu Bashir.
The agency confirmed that both the suspects and the funds are now in its custody and that the individuals will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation.
The EFCC commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and emphasized the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies to protect the nation’s economy.
The Commission added that it is working closely with Customs and other stakeholders to increase awareness about the legal requirements for cross-border cash movement and the penalties for non-compliance.
As part of these efforts, the EFCC, in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the NCS, held a sensitization programme on April 26, 2025. The event, aimed at educating stakeholders on the lawful movement of cash, drew participation from bureau de change operators, travel agencies, airport authorities, pilgrim boards, and the Kano Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
