EFCC probes two suspects over alleged $461,600 cash non-declaration at Kano Airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun an investigation into two individuals arrested for allegedly failing to declare a total of $461,600 at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The suspects, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, were intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, after arriving from Dubai on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941 on Friday, May 8, 2026.

EFCC officials say the suspects initially declared $130,000 and $180,000, respectively, at the airport’s currency declaration desk. However, a physical inspection by Customs officers reportedly uncovered an additional $120,000 on Waya, bringing his total to $250,000, while Namadi was found with an extra $31,600, raising his total to $211,600.

The anti‑graft agency stated that the undeclared funds violate 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 U.U. Adamu praised the long‑standing collaboration between the Customs Service and the EFCC in addressing illicit cash movements and financial crimes.

“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,” Adamu said.

Upon receiving the suspects, Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander Friday S. Ebelo, assured that the commission would conduct a thorough investigation and pursue diligent prosecution.

“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,” Ebelo stated.

He also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its continued cooperation, describing inter‑agency collaboration as essential to combating financial crimes and illegal cash movement across borders.

The EFCC said the suspects, along with the recovered foreign currency and other evidence, have been transferred to the Kano Zonal Directorate for further investigation and possible prosecution.