The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into a suspect, Haruna Yusuf, following the interception of large sums of undeclared foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The currencies, comprising $73,000, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals, were intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) during routine screening of arriving passengers between August 8 and 12.
The Acting Customs Area Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, U.U. Adamu, said customs officers first intercepted an unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage on August 8.
According to him, the luggage contained 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300, which were concealed inside footwear.
Four days later, customs officers intercepted another luggage belonging to Yusuf, who arrived in Kano aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.
A secondary screening using non-intrusive inspection technology reportedly uncovered $20,000 and £15,957 concealed inside sports shoes.
Adamu subsequently handed Yusuf and the recovered currencies over to the EFCC for further investigation.
However, the EFCC statement did not clarify whether Yusuf was the owner of the unaccompanied luggage containing the Saudi Riyals and $53,300.
Receiving the suspect and the exhibits on behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Friday Ebelo, said failure to declare large amounts of currency contravenes provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Ebelo urged travellers to comply with currency declaration requirements, stressing that declaring foreign currency does not attract a penalty.
He added that legal concerns could arise over the source of funds that are not properly declared.
The EFCC said it would conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute the matter in accordance with the law.
The Customs Service also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the EFCC and other relevant agencies to prevent the illegal movement of undeclared foreign currencies across Nigeria's borders.
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