The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has commenced investigating the suspect, Haruna Yusuf, who was intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in possession of $73,000, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyal.

The investigation commenced after the Acting Customs Area Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, handed over the suspect and the undeclared currencies in Kano.

The foreign currencies, which exceeded the legally permitted threshold, were discovered during routine primary and secondary screenings of arriving passengers between August 8 and 12, 2026.

The Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Kano Directorate, ACE1 Friday Ebelo, received the suspect and the recovered funds on behalf of the commission.

According to Adamu, an unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage containing 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300 was found concealed in footwear on August 8 during passenger screening at the airport baggage seat.

Similarly, on August 12, customs officers flagged luggage belonging to one Haruna Yusuf, who arrived at MAKIA aboard Ethiopian Airlines, and during secondary screening with Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology, $20,000 and £15,957 were found concealed in sportswear shoes.

Adamu further explained that the interceptions demonstrated the officers’ readiness and vigilance in detecting cross-border movement of undeclared foreign currencies above the allowed threshold.

Receiving the suspects and exhibits, Ebelo commended the synergy between the NCS and the EFCC. He explained that the failure to declare large sums of currency and its equivalence were violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

He urged the public to comply with the law, emphasising that declaring currency attracts no penalty, while the source of undeclared funds may raise legal concerns.