By Paul Joseph
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced investigation into two suspects, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, over the alleged failure to declare a total sum of $461,600 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects were intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service after arriving from Dubai aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight on Friday, May 8, 2026.
According to officials, the two travellers initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the airport’s currency declaration desk. However, a detailed search conducted by Customs officers allegedly uncovered additional undeclared cash hidden in their possession.
Authorities said the first suspect was found with an extra $120,000, increasing the total amount in his possession to $250,000, while the second suspect was discovered with an additional $31,600, bringing his total to $211,600.
The undeclared funds were said to be in violation of provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which mandates travellers to fully disclose cash above the approved threshold when entering or leaving the country.
Speaking during the handover of the suspects to the EFCC, the Acting Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, commended the longstanding cooperation between the Customs Service and the anti-graft agency in tackling financial crimes and illegal cash movement across borders.
Receiving the suspects and recovered cash exhibits, the Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Friday S. Ebelo, assured that the Commission would carry out a comprehensive investigation into the case.
Ebelo stated that the agency remains committed to ensuring that individuals who violate Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its continued collaboration with the EFCC, describing inter-agency partnership as vital in the fight against illicit financial activities.
The suspects, alongside the recovered foreign currency and other exhibits, have since been taken into custody at the EFCC Kano Directorate pending further investigation and possible prosecution.
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