The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced investigation into an undeclared cash case involving two passengers intercepted at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with a total of $461,600 after arriving from Dubai. The suspects were arrested following a joint operation involving officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and anti-money laundering officials in Kano.
The undeclared cash case began after officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, intercepted the passengers upon arrival aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941 on Friday, May 8, 2026.
According to the EFCC and Customs authorities, the suspects, identified as Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the airport’s currency declaration desk. However, further inspection reportedly uncovered additional undeclared funds concealed in their luggage.
Authorities stated that the discovery brought the total recovered amount to $461,600, which investigators said may contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
During the handover of the suspects to the EFCC, Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, described the interception as part of ongoing efforts to combat illicit financial movement across Nigeria’s borders. He commended collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the EFCC, stating that inter-agency cooperation remained critical in addressing financial crimes and unlawful cash transportation.
The undeclared cash case was formally transferred to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC alongside the recovered funds and related travel documents for further investigation. Receiving the suspects on behalf of the commission, EFCC Kano Zonal Director, Assistant Commander Friday S. Ebelo, assured that investigators would pursue the matter thoroughly.
He stated, “The EFCC will conduct a thorough and uncompromising investigation into this matter.” Officials also reiterated that Nigerian financial regulations require travellers carrying cash above approved thresholds to declare such funds to relevant authorities before entry or exit.
The undeclared cash case highlights ongoing concerns surrounding illicit financial flows and enforcement of anti-money laundering regulations at Nigeria’s international airports.
The interception also reflects increased scrutiny by Customs and anti-graft agencies over cross-border cash movement amid broader efforts to strengthen financial transparency and compliance with international anti-money laundering standards. Analysts have continued to identify airport monitoring and inter-agency coordination as important components in preventing illegal movement of undeclared funds across borders.
