The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has announced the commencement of an investigation into the sum of $86,500, SAR305,150, and €200 confiscated by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the money was discovered in an unaccompanied bag suspected to have been smuggled into the country.
He stated that the money was intercepted on Sunday, 27 April 2025, when a clearing agent, Sale Bala, attempted to retrieve the bag.
Upon physical inspection, customs officers uncovered the foreign currencies concealed within bedspreads (duvets) and date packs tucked inside the luggage.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Bala and a second suspect, Abdullahi Tahir, who was reportedly tasked with receiving the bag after clearance.
He added: “The money was handed over to the EFCC by Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC Abdulahi Hashim, and received on behalf of the Commission by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACEII Aminu Bashir.
“The suspects, as well as the seized funds, are in the custody of the Commission and will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations.”
The EFCC spokesperson further stated that the commission, in collaboration with Customs and other stakeholders, is intensifying efforts to enlighten stakeholders on the legal requirements for cash movement and the consequences of non-compliance.
He said: “On Saturday, 26 April 2025, the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigeria Customs Service jointly organised a sensitisation programme to educate all stakeholders about cash movement in and out of Nigeria, and the legal requirements for the movement of cash as enshrined in Nigerian laws and regulations.”
