Customs Intercepts Over $1.1m, SR135,900 Concealed in Dates at Kano Airport
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a significant amount of undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), seizing a total of $1,154,900 (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred US Dollars) and SR135,900 (One Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Saudi Riyals) from an inbound passenger.
The suspect, identified as Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia. During a routine baggage check, Customs officers discovered the hidden cash concealed inside palm-date fruit packs, commonly referred to as Dabino. The interception aligns with NCS’s ongoing efforts to curb illicit financial flows and enforce financial regulations at the country’s borders.
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Following standard procedures, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took custody of both the suspect and the seized funds for further investigation. A court later convicted the suspect, ordering the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government of Nigeria, in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
In a statement, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, reiterated the legal requirement for travelers to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving Nigeria. He warned that failure to comply with these regulations constitutes a criminal offense punishable under Nigerian law.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, remains committed to enforcing financial regulations, combating smuggling, and preventing trans-border crimes,” Maiwada stated.
The Service pledged to enhance collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests. Travelers were urged to remain compliant with financial laws to avoid legal repercussions.
By PRNigeria
