The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into two suspects who were detained for allegedly failing to declare a total of $461,600 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, apprehended the perpetrators, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, upon their arrival from Dubai on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941 on Friday, May 8, 2026.
The suspects initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 at the airport’s currency declaration desk, according to the EFCC. Nevertheless, Customs officers purportedly discovered an additional undeclared $120,000 on Waya, bringing the total in his possession to $250,000. Namadi was discovered to have an additional $31,600, bringing his total to $211,600.
According to the anti-graft agency, the undeclared funds violated Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
During the transfer of the suspects to the EFCC, the acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, expressed his appreciation for the Customs Service’s long-standing partnership with the EFCC in the prevention of financial crimes and illicit currency movements.
Adamu expressed his gratitude for the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate’s ongoing support in achieving our objective of combating the illicit movement of cash.
Upon receiving the suspects, the Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Friday S. Ebelo, the Kano Zonal Director, reassured them that the commission would conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure the diligent prosecution of the matter.
“This matter will be thoroughly and uncompromisingly investigated by the EFCC.” Ebelo declared, “We will pursue the case with the utmost care to guarantee that those who violate our anti-money laundering laws are subjected to the full force of the law.”
He also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its ongoing collaboration with the commission, stating that interagency collaboration is crucial in the prevention of financial crimes and the illicit movement of cash across borders.
The suspects, as well as the recovered foreign currency and other exhibits, were transferred to the Kano Zonal Directorate for further investigation and potential prosecution, according to the EFCC.