EFCC Launches Investigation into $86,500 and 305,150 Riyals Seized at Kano Airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Kano Zonal Directorate, has initiated an investigation into the interception of $86,500 (Eighty-Six Thousand Five Hundred U.S. Dollars), 305,150 Saudi Riyals, and 200 Euros by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

These funds were discovered in an unattended bag, suspected to be smuggled into the country, and were found on Sunday, April 27, 2025, when clearing agent Sale Bala attempted to collect the bag. Customs officers, during an inspection, uncovered the foreign currencies hidden within bedspreads (duvets) and date packages in the luggage. Further investigations led to the arrest of Bala and a second individual, Abdullahi Tahir, who was allegedly responsible for receiving the bag once it was cleared.
The Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC Abdulahi Hashim, transferred the money to the EFCC, where it was received by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aminu Bashir.

Both suspects and the confiscated funds are currently in the custody of the Commission and will be prosecuted once the investigation concludes. The EFCC praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its diligence and emphasized the significance of inter-agency collaboration in protecting the nation's economy. In an effort to enhance awareness regarding legal cash movement regulations and the implications of non-compliance, the Commission, in partnership with Customs and other agencies, is intensifying its outreach programs.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, a joint sensitization event was held by the EFCC, ICPC, and Nigeria Customs Service to inform stakeholders about the legal requirements for cash movement in and out of Nigeria, in accordance with Nigerian laws and regulations. The event attracted a large audience, including members from the bureau de change sector, travel agencies, airport authorities, pilgrim boards, and the Kano Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
EFCC