EFCC Begins Investigation into $86,500 and 305,150 Riyals Intercepted At Kano Airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, has launched an investigation into the interception of significant sums of foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The seized funds — comprising $86,500 (Eighty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars), 305,150 (Three Hundred and Five Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Saudi Riyals), and 200 Euros — were discovered on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in an unaccompanied bag suspected to have been smuggled into the country. The bag was intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) when a clearing agent, Sale Bala, attempted to retrieve it.

Upon inspection, Customs officers found the foreign currencies hidden inside bedspreads (duvets) and date packs tucked within the luggage. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Bala and another suspect, Abdullahi Tahir, who was reportedly assigned to receive the bag after it was cleared.

The confiscated funds were officially handed over to the EFCC by Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Abdulahi Hashim and received on behalf of the Commission by Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Aminu Bashir. Both suspects, along with the seized money, are currently in EFCC custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The EFCC commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and emphasized the critical role of inter-agency collaboration in protecting the nation’s economy. The Commission reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships with Customs and other stakeholders to enhance awareness on legal cash movement practices.

In a related development, the EFCC, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Customs Service, organized a sensitization program on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The event aimed at educating stakeholders about the legal frameworks governing the movement of cash in and out of Nigeria. The program witnessed a large turnout, including members of the bureau de change community, travel agencies, airport authorities, pilgrim boards, and the Kano Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The EFCC pledged to continue its efforts in enlightening the public about compliance requirements and the consequences of violation, stressing that strict adherence to legal provisions is vital for the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.