The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced on Monday that its Kano Zonal Directorate has launched an investigation into a large sum of foreign currency seized by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officers at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The funds—$86,500, 305,150 Saudi Riyals, and €200—were discovered in an unaccompanied bag suspected of being smuggled into the country. The bag was intercepted on Sunday, April 27, 2025, when a clearing agent attempted to retrieve it.
Upon inspection, Customs officers found the foreign currency hidden inside bedspreads (duvets) and date packs within the luggage. This led to the arrest of Bala and a second suspect, Abdullahi Tahir, who was allegedly assigned to receive the bag after clearance.
The funds were subsequently handed over to the EFCC by Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Abdulahi Hashim, and received on behalf of the Commission by Assistant Commander of EFCC (ACE II) Aminu Bashir.
The suspects, along with the seized funds, are now in the custody of the EFCC. They will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.
In its statement, the EFCC commended the Nigeria Customs Service for their vigilance in intercepting the illegal funds and emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in protecting the nation’s economy. The Commission also reiterated its ongoing efforts to educate stakeholders about the legal requirements for cash movement into and out of Nigeria.
As part of these efforts, the EFCC, alongside the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Customs Service, organized a joint sensitization program on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The program aimed to educate key stakeholders—ranging from bureau de change operators, travel agencies, airport authorities, and pilgrim boards, to the Kano Chamber of Commerce and Industry—on the legalities surrounding cash movement and the penalties for non-compliance.
