From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into undeclared $420,900, £5,825, and CFA 4,170,500 by one Ahmad Salisu, arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
Salisu was intercepted by Customs operatives during a routine check on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the airport.
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, who confirmed the development on Tuesday, July 8, said, upon physical inspection, it was revealed that the cash was meticulously concealed in a polythene bag covered by cloth and other fabrics in the suspect’s luggage.
“Upon arrest, the suspect reportedly disclosed that he was transporting the funds on behalf of his brother, Auwal Ahmad, who is still in Saudi Arabia, to be delivered to two individuals, Yusuf Adamu and Abdulhamid Rabiu, who were also arrested upon their arrival to claim the monies.
“Following preliminary interrogation and documentation, the NCS formally handed over the trio and the recovered funds to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.
Earlier, at the office of NCS Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, Commander Ibrahim Shazali, stated that the EFCC and NCS were committed to zero tolerance for illegal cash smuggling and all other forms of economic and financial crimes and would not spare any offender.
“The EFCC and the Nigerian Customs Service, working in concert, have zero tolerance for illegal cash smuggling.
“Our surveillance is active, our intelligence is sharp, and our resolve to apprehend offenders is unwavering. Attempting to circumvent our financial laws and border controls is a futile and costly endeavour,” Shazali was quoted.
The EFCC official also urged the public and stakeholders to be vigilant and report suspicious activities across Nigeria’s borders.
“We urge the public, particularly stakeholders within the aviation sector and financial institutions, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of large volumes of cash. Protecting the integrity of our economy is a collective responsibility,” he said.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court soon, Oyewale added.