The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, has commenced an investigation into two male suspects, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, over a total sum of $461,600 (Four Hundred Sixty-One Thousand, Six Hundred United States Dollars) that was not declared to officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects were arrested on Friday, May 8, 2026, after arriving from Dubai via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941. At the currency declaration desk, they initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively. However, a subsequent physical examination by Customs officers uncovered an additional $120,000 on the first suspect, bringing his total to $250,000, and an additional $31,600 on the second suspect, bringing his total to $211,600. The undeclared amounts contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Following the handover by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, the Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, assured the Nigeria Customs Service of the Commission's commitment to 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.
He further expressed deep appreciation to the NCS for its long-standing and consistent cooperation with the EFCC over the years, noting that such inter-agency collaboration remains critical in combating the illegal movement of cash and financial crimes.
In his earlier remarks, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu expressed his deep appreciation to the EFCC for its unwavering support of the Nigeria Customs Service. "Let me express appreciation for the continuous collaboration with the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate for their support in realizing our goal while combating the illegal movement of cash," he said.
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, where they are currently being held for further investigation and potential prosecution.
