EFCC Begins Investigation of Two Suspects Over $461,600 Undeclared Cash at Kano Airport
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Kano Zonal Directorate, has commenced investigation into two male suspects, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, over the alleged non-declaration of a total sum of $461,600 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
According to the EFCC, the suspects were arrested on Friday, May 8, 2026, after arriving from Dubai aboard Ethiopian Airline flight ET941.
The Commission disclosed that the suspects initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the currency declaration desk operated by the Nigeria Customs Service.
However, further physical examination by Customs officers reportedly uncovered additional undeclared cash concealed in their possession.
According to officials, the first suspect was found with an extra $120,000, bringing the total amount in his possession to $250,000, while the second suspect allegedly had an additional $31,600, increasing his total to $211,600.
Authorities said the undeclared funds contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Speaking during the handover of the suspects and exhibits, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, commended the collaboration between the Customs Service and the EFCC in tackling financial crimes and illegal cash movement across Nigeria’s borders.
Receiving the suspects on behalf of the EFCC, the Zonal Director of the Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Friday S. Ebelo, assured the Customs Service that the Commission would carry out a thorough investigation.
“The EFCC will conduct a thorough and uncompromising investigation into this matter. We will prosecute the case with the utmost diligence to ensure that violators of our anti-money laundering laws face the full weight of justice,” he stated.
Ebelo also appreciated the continued partnership between both agencies, describing inter-agency cooperation as essential in the fight against money laundering and other financial crimes.
The suspects, alongside the recovered cash and other exhibits, have since been transferred to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, where further investigation and possible prosecution are ongoing.
EFCC Begins Investigation of Two Suspects Over $461,600 Undeclared Cash at Kano Airport