EFCC investigates suspect over undeclared foreign currencies at Kano airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it
has commenced the probe of one Haruna Yusuf over alleged multiple undeclared
foreign currencies intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

 

In a statement issued on Monday, the anti-graft agency said
the currencies, comprising $73,000, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals, were
intercepted during routine screening of arriving passengers between August 8
and 12.

U U Adamu, acting customs area comptroller of the
Kano/Jigawa command, said on August 8, custom officers intercepted an
unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage containing 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300
concealed inside footwear.

Four days later, officers also intercepted a luggage
belonging to Yusuf, who arrived on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.

He explained that secondary screening using non-intrusive
inspection technology revealed $20,000 and £15,957 concealed inside sports
shoes.

Adamu subsequently handed over Yusuf and the recovered
currencies to the EFCC on behalf of the NCS.

The statement does not explicitly state whether Yusuf is the
owner of the unaccompanied Saudi Riyals.

Adamu said the interceptions demonstrated the vigilance of
customs officers in detecting cross-border movement of undeclared foreign
currency, adding that the NCS would continue to strengthen collaboration with
the EFCC and other agencies to combat financial crimes.

Receiving the suspect and exhibits on behalf of EFCC
chairman Ola Olukoyede, Friday Ebelo, acting zonal director of the EFCC Kano
directorate, said the failure to declare large sums of currency violated the
money laundering (prevention and prohibition) act, 2022.

Ebelo urged travellers to comply with currency declaration
requirements, noting that declaring money attracts no penalty and that legal
concerns may arise from the source of undeclared funds.

He said the EFCC would conduct a thorough investigation and
prosecute the matter in accordance with the law.

Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday

Advertise on NOP NIGERIA to reach thousands of our daily users