EFCC Probes Two Travellers Over $461,600 Cash Concealed at Kano Airport

Fresh scrutiny has hit Nigeria’s anti-money laundering system after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched an investigation into two passengers caught with undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The suspects, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, were intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service shortly after arriving from Dubai on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941 on Friday, May 8, 2026.

They initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the airport’s currency declaration point. But a follow-up inspection uncovered additional cash allegedly hidden from authorities.

Customs officers reportedly found an extra $120,000 on Waya, bringing his total to $250,000, while Namadi was said to have been found with an additional $31,600, pushing his total to $211,600.

Authorities say the undeclared sums violate Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which mandates full disclosure of foreign currency movements through Nigerian ports of entry.

At the point of handover, the acting Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Command, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, praised the partnership between the Customs Service and the EFCC in tightening financial crime enforcement at Nigeria’s borders.

He stressed that inter-agency cooperation remains critical in tracking illicit cash flows and strengthening compliance with financial regulations.

Receiving the suspects, EFCC Kano Zonal Director, Assistant Commander Friday S. Ebelo, confirmed that a full investigation had begun and assured that prosecution would follow where evidence supports the allegations.

He also commended Customs officers for what he described as effective collaboration in intercepting undeclared funds and supporting anti-corruption enforcement efforts.

The EFCC said the suspects, along with the seized cash and other exhibits, have been transferred to its Kano Zonal Directorate for further investigation.