Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced a full‑scale investigation into two male suspects, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, over their alleged failure to declare a total sum of $461,600 (Four Hundred and Sixty‑One Thousand, Six Hundred United States Dollars) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The suspects were arrested on Friday, May 8, 2026, immediately after their arrival from Dubai aboard Ethiopian Airline flight ET941. According to a statement by the EFCC, the two passengers initially presented themselves at the currency declaration desk, where they declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively, a combined total of $310,000. However, a subsequent physical examination conducted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, uncovered an additional $120,000 concealed on the first suspect, bringing his total undeclared amount to $250,000. The second suspect was found with an extra $31,600, raising his total to $211,600. The undeclared portions of the currency contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, formally handed over the suspects, the undeclared currency and other relevant exhibits to the EFCC. Receiving the case on behalf of the Commission, the Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE1) Friday S. Ebelo, assured the Nigeria Customs Service of a thorough and uncompromising 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,” Ebelo said. He also expressed deep appreciation for the long‑standing cooperation between the NCS and the EFCC, noting that such inter‑agency collaboration remains critical in combating the illegal movement of cash and other financial crimes.
In his earlier remarks, Deputy Comptroller Adamu expressed his appreciation for the EFCC’s unwavering support. “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 office of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, where they are currently being held for further investigation and potential prosecution.
The case highlights the persistent challenge of cross‑border cash smuggling and the importance of rigorous enforcement of currency declaration laws. Under Nigerian law, any traveller carrying funds exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent is required to make a full declaration. Failure to do so, or making a false declaration, constitutes a criminal offence that can lead to seizure of the funds, prosecution and imprisonment. The EFCC has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies to tighten the net on money laundering and illicit financial flows through the nation’s airports.
As investigations continue, the two suspects face possible charges for violating anti‑money laundering statutes. The EFCC has not disclosed whether the suspects have been granted bail or are cooperating with investigators. The case also underscores the growing vigilance of security operatives at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, which has become a key transit point for international travellers and, increasingly, a focus of anti‑smuggling operations.
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