The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday disclosed that its Kano Zonal Directorate had commenced investigation of a suspect, Haruna Yusuf and multiple undeclared foreign currencies, including $73,000; £15,957 and SAR 827,800 intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
The investigation, according to the commission, commenced after the suspect and the undeclared currencies were handed over to it by the Acting Customs Area Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Deputy Comptroller U. U. Adamu, at the Customs Area Command in Kano.
The anti-corruption commission said the intercepted currencies exceeded the legally permitted threshold, adding that they were discovered during routine primary and secondary screenings of arriving passengers between August 8 and 12.
While handing over the suspect and the currencies to the EFCC acting Zonal Director, Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, Adamu said the Customs made two separate interceptions.
According to him, “On August 8, 2026, at approximately 14:20 hours, officers conducting passenger screening at the baggage seat of MAKIA intercepted an unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage containing 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300. The currencies were found concealed inside footwear.
“Similarly, on August 12, 2026 at approximately 13:50 hours, officers of the Nigerian Customs Service also flagged luggage belonging to one Mr Haruna Yusuf, who arrived at MAKIA onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.
“During secondary screening using Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology, $20,000 USD and £15,957 were found concealed inside sportswear shoes.”
Adamu said that handing over the suspect and undeclared foreign currencies to EFCC was in accordance with Section 4(f) of the NCS Act 2023, which empowers the service to collaborate with other border regulatory agencies.
He added that the Customs command would continue to deploy technology, professional expertise and intelligence-driven measures as well as collaborate with other security agencies with a view to strengthening border controls and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s financial systems.
Responding after he received both the suspect and exhibits on behalf of the EFCC chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, Ebelo expressed profound gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for its professionalism and cooperation with commission’s officers recently deployed at the airport.
Ebelo urged the public to comply with the law, emphasising that declaring currency attracts no penalty; only the source of undeclared funds may raise legal concerns.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV