EFCC begins investigation of $86,500, SAR305,150 intercepted at Kano airport

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday said it had begun probe of $86,500, SAR305,150 (Saudi Riyals) and €200 recently confiscated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission said the hard currencies were intercepted on Sunday when a Customs clearing agent, Sale Bala attempted to retrieve the unaccompanied bag containing the cash which was earlier suspected to have been smuggled into the country.

Following a physical inspection of the bag, Customs officers uncovered the foreign currencies concealed in bed spreads (duvets) and date packs tucked in the luggage.

The Nigerian Economy gathered that further investigation led to the arrest of Bala and the consignee of the cash, Abdullahi Tahir.

The EFCC stated: “The money was 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, ACE11 Aminu Bashir.

“The suspects as well as the seized funds are in the custody of the Commission and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

“The Commission, in collaboration with Customs and other stakeholders, is intensifying efforts to enlighten stakeholders on the legal requirements for cash movement and the consequences of non-compliance.

“On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the EFCC, ICPC and the Nigeria Customs Service jointly organized a sensitization program to educate all stakeholders about cash movement in and out of Nigeria on the legal requirements for the movement of cash as enshrined in the Nigerian laws and regulations.”

According to the anti-graft agency, the event witnessed a massive audience ranging from the bureau de change community, travel agencies, airport authorities and pilgrim boards as well as the Kano Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The EFCC commended the Customs for its vigilance and reiterated the importance of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding the nation’s economy.