EFCC Probes Suspect as Foreign Currencies Intercepted at Kano Airport
By Njideka Agbo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, has commenced investigation into Haruna Yusuf following the interception of $73,000, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The currencies were intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) during routine screening of arriving passengers between August 8 and 12, 2026.
According to the NCS, $53,300 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals were discovered concealed inside footwear in an unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage on August 8. On August 12, officers intercepted Yusuf’s luggage after he arrived on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941 and discovered $20,000 and £15,957 concealed inside sports shoes.
The suspect and recovered currencies were subsequently handed over to the EFCC for investigation and possible prosecution.
Receiving the exhibits, Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Friday S. Ebelo, warned travellers to comply with Nigeria’s currency declaration requirements.
Ebelo said failure to declare large sums of foreign currency violates the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, stressing that declaring currency does not attract a penalty.
He commended the NCS for its vigilance and reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to tackling illegal movement of funds across Nigeria’s borders.
