EFCC $461,600 Airport Cash Seizure probe begins after suspects were arrested for allegedly failing to declare funds at Kano airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into two suspects arrested for allegedly failing to declare a total of $461,600 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State, Nigeria, on Friday, 18 May 2026.

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The development, now referred to as the EFCC $461,600 Airport Cash Seizure, followed the interception of the suspects by operatives of the Nigeria

Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, shortly after they arrived from Dubai aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.

The suspects, identified as Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the airport currency declaration desk upon arrival.

However, a physical search allegedly revealed additional undeclared cash, with officers discovering $120,000 hidden on Waya, bringing his total to $250,000, while Namadi was found with an extra $31,600, raising his total to $211,600.

EFCC stated that the undeclared funds are believed to contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which governs cross-border cash declarations and financial transparency requirements.

During the formal handover of the suspects to the EFCC, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, praised the collaboration between the Customs Service and the anti-graft agency in tackling illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.

He described the partnership as essential in strengthening enforcement against illegal cash movement and financial crimes.

Receiving the suspects, the Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC Friday S. Ebelo, assured that the commission would conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that due process is followed.

He added that the EFCC remains committed to prosecuting violations of anti-money laundering laws and ensuring that offenders face appropriate legal consequences.

EFCC confirmed that the suspects, along with the recovered foreign currency and other exhibits, have been transferred to its Kano Zonal Directorate for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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EFCC probes $461,600 Airport cash case seizure case is expected to proceed as authorities intensify efforts to curb illicit cross-border financial transactions.