The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has commenced a full investigation into two suspects arrested at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport over the alleged failure to declare a total of $461,600.
The suspects, identified as Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, were arrested on Friday, May 8, 2026, shortly after arriving from Dubai via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.
According to the EFCC, the suspects initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the currency declaration desk.
However, a subsequent physical examination by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, revealed additional undeclared cash concealed by both individuals.
The Commission said the first suspect was found with an extra $120,000, bringing his total to $250,000, while the second suspect was discovered with an additional $31,600, bringing his total to $211,600.
The EFCC said the undeclared funds contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which require full disclosure of cash movements across Nigerian borders.
Following their arrest, the suspects and the recovered currency were formally handed over to the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate by the Nigeria Customs Service for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, said the handover was part of sustained inter-agency collaboration aimed at curbing illegal movement of cash and financial crimes at Nigerian entry points.
In response, the EFCC Kano Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, assured that the Commission would conduct a thorough and uncompromising investigation and ensure that any violators of anti-money laundering laws are brought to justice.
The EFCC also commended the continued cooperation between the agency and the Nigeria Customs Service, describing it as critical to strengthening border financial controls and combating illicit financial flows.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
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