Customs intercepts undeclared $1.15m, SR135,900 at Kano airport

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The seizure was made during a routine baggage inspection of Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, an inbound passenger from Saudi Arabia, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401.

Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who disclosed this on Thursday, stated that during a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage, customs officers discovered the concealed cash hidden inside packs of palm-date fruits (Dabino).

He said this interception aligns with NCS’s ongoing efforts to enforce financial regulations and curb illicit financial flows.

Adeniyi said that following established procedures, the suspect and the seized funds were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

He said the court subsequently convicted the defendant, ordering the forfeiture of the undeclared currency to the Federal Government of Nigeria in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

He reiterated the importance of compliance with financial regulations, noting that travelers are required by law to declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving the country.

Adeniyi said failure to do so is a violation of Nigerian law, carrying severe penalties under both the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995.

He said the NCS remains steadfast in combating smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and trans-border crimes.

According to him, this latest seizure underscores the Service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and ensuring strict enforcement of financial regulations.

Adeniyi pledged to continue working with government agencies and stakeholders to enhance border security, strengthen financial law compliance, and safeguard the nation’s economy.

He advised travelers and financial sector stakeholders to stay vigilant and adhere to lawful financial practices to avoid legal repercussions.