The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to prosecute suspects linked to the illegal importation of $86,500, 305,150 Saudi Riyals, and €200 intercepted at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, the EFCC revealed that the seized foreign currencies were concealed in bedspreads (duvets) and packages of dates, hidden inside an unaccompanied bag suspected to have been smuggled into the country. The bag was intercepted on Sunday, April 27, 2025, when a clearing agent, Sale Bala, attempted to retrieve it.
Following initial investigations, EFCC operatives also arrested Abdullahi Tahir, who was allegedly designated to receive the smuggled bag after clearance.
The funds were formally handed over to the EFCC by Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdulahi Hashim, and received on behalf of the Commission by Assistant Commander Aminu Bashir.
The Commission stated that both suspects and the confiscated funds are currently in EFCC custody and assured that they would be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the investigation.
The development underscores the EFCC’s ongoing clampdown on undeclared cross-border currency movements, and its collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other agencies to enforce financial laws.
As part of preventive efforts, the EFCC disclosed that it recently held a public sensitization programme on Saturday, April 26, 2025, alongside the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the NCS, to educate stakeholders on the legal requirements for moving large sums of money across borders.
Attendees included members of the Bureau De Change community, airport authorities, travel agencies, pilgrimage boards, and the Kano Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The EFCC reiterated the importance of inter-agency cooperation and public awareness in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system.
This case comes just weeks after the conviction of Okunfulure Olusola Steve, who was sentenced to three months in prison by Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Lagos for failing to declare $30,000 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport—a reminder of the legal consequences of non-disclosure.
