EFCC Probes Suspect as Customs Intercepts $73,000, £15,957, 827,800 Saudi Riyals At Kano Airport

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into Haruna Yusuf and foreign currencies worth $73,000, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The investigation followed the formal handover of the suspect and the undeclared currencies to the EFCC by the Acting Customs Area Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu.

The currencies were intercepted during routine passenger screening between August 8 and August 12, 2026.

According to Adamu, Customs officers made two separate interceptions.

On August 8, officers reportedly intercepted an unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage containing 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300, allegedly concealed inside footwear.

A second interception occurred on August 12 when officers flagged a luggage belonging to Haruna Yusuf, who arrived aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.

During secondary screening using Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology, Customs officers reportedly discovered $20,000 and £15,957 concealed inside sportswear shoes.

Adamu formally handed Yusuf and the recovered exhibits to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution, citing the collaborative powers provided under Section 4(f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Receiving the suspect and exhibits on behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC in Kano, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, commended the Customs Service for its cooperation.

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Ebelo said the movement of large sums of undeclared currency across Nigeria’s entry points must be closely monitored, stressing that failure to declare such funds violates relevant provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

He urged travellers to comply with currency declaration requirements, noting that declaring foreign currency does not attract a penalty.

The EFCC official assured that the Commission would conduct a thorough investigation and pursue the matter in accordance with the law.

Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation to combat financial crimes and the illegal movement of cash across Nigeria’s borders.