EFCC probes suspect over undeclared $420,900, £5,825, CFA3.9m at Kano airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a formal investigation into a case involving the alleged smuggling and non-declaration of foreign currencies totalling over $420,000 at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

Ahmad Salisu was apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) during a routine check on Monday, July 7, 2025. A physical inspection of his luggage reportedly revealed cash concealed in a polythene bag covered by clothes and other fabrics.

The undeclared sums include $420,900, £5,825, CFA 3,946,500, and 224,000 Cameroonian CFA.

According to officials, Salisu claimed he was acting on behalf of his brother, Auwal Ahmad, who remains in Saudi Arabia. He was allegedly instructed to deliver the funds to two individuals—Yusuf Adamu and Abdulhamid Rabiu—who were later arrested when they appeared to collect the money.

Following initial questioning, the trio and the seized funds were handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Speaking during a joint press briefing at the NCS Kano/Jigawa Area Command office, EFCC Zonal Director Ibrahim Shazali affirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling illegal cross-border financial activities. “The EFCC and the Nigerian Customs Service, working in concert, have zero tolerance for illegal cash smuggling,” he said.

Shazali urged the public to remain alert and report suspicious financial transactions, particularly those involving large cash movements at airports and border crossings.

Customs Area Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar reiterated that currency declaration requirements are part of broader efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. “The currency declaration regime is a key tool in protecting our financial system and curbing the movement of funds used by criminal networks and terrorist groups,” he stated.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court after the ongoing investigation is concluded.