Nigeria Customs Service operatives have seized ₦653 million at the Mallam Aminu International Airport in Kano, which was not declared.
Three suspects were turned over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation.
Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command stated that the arrest was made possible by credible intelligence and a clearance operation conducted by airport officers.
Ahmed Salisu, a Ghanaian passport holder, was flagged after arriving on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Saudi Arabia, he said.
“Upon arrival, the suspect, like other passengers, was reminded of the legal obligation to declare foreign currencies exceeding $10,000,” he said.
A physical inspection of the passenger’s baggage by the comptroller revealed foreign currencies concealed inside clothing cartons.
The items recovered include $420,900, £5,825, 3.9 million West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs, all valued at ₦653.9 million.
Abubakar stated that the suspect neglected to disclose the funds upon arrival, in contravention of the law. He noted that the interception is a result of continued cooperation with the EFCC and the ICPC to safeguard Nigeria’s financial system and security.
