The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, has launched an investigation into two male suspects, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, for failing to declare a total sum of $461,600 (Four Hundred Sixty One Thousand, Six Hundred United States Dollars) to officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Arrest and Initial Declarations
The suspects were arrested on Friday, May 8, 2026, upon arrival from Dubai via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941. At the currency declaration desk, Waya initially declared $130,000, while Namadi declared $180,000. However, a subsequent physical examination by Customs officers uncovered additional undeclared funds: $120,000 on Waya, bringing his total to $250,000, and $31,600 on Namadi, bringing his total to $211,600.
Legal Contraventions
The undeclared amounts violate Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. The case was handed over by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, to the EFCC Kano Directorate.
EFCC Commitment to Investigation
Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, who serves as the Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, assured the Nigeria Customs Service of a full-scale investigation. “The EFCC will conduct a thorough and uncompromising investigation into this matter. We will prosecute the case with the utmost diligence to ensure that violators of our anti-money laundering laws face the full weight of justice,” he stated.
Ebelo also expressed deep appreciation to the NCS for its long-standing cooperation with the EFCC, emphasizing that such inter-agency collaboration remains critical in combating the illegal movement of cash and financial crimes.
Customs Appreciation
In his earlier remarks, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu expressed gratitude for the EFCC’s unwavering support. “Let me express appreciation for the continuous collaboration with the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate for their support in realising our goal while combating the illegal movement of cash,” he said.
Formal Takeover and Next Steps
Following the formal takeover, the two suspects, along with the recovered undeclared currency and other relevant exhibits, were transported to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC. They are currently being held for further investigation and potential prosecution. The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to upholding anti-money laundering laws and ensuring that all violators face legal consequences.
