The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has commenced investigation into two suspects, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, for allegedly failing to declare a total sum of $461,600 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
According to a statement published on the commission’s official Facebook page, the suspects were arrested on Friday, May 8, 2026, by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service Kano/Jigawa Area Command after arriving from Dubai via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.
Officials said the suspects initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the currency declaration desk, but a subsequent search allegedly uncovered additional undeclared cash.
Customs officers reportedly found an extra $120,000 from the first suspect, bringing his total to $250,000, while $31,600 was discovered from the second suspect, raising his total to $211,600.
The undeclared funds are said to contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Following their arrest, the suspects, along with the recovered cash and other exhibits, were handed over to the EFCC by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu.
Receiving the suspects, the Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, said the Commission would conduct a thorough investigation and ensure prosecution where necessary.
“The EFCC will conduct a thorough and uncompromising investigation into this matter. We will prosecute the case with the utmost diligence to ensure that violators of our anti-money laundering laws face the full weight of justice,” he said.
He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its continued collaboration with the anti-graft agency in tackling illicit financial flows and cash smuggling.
In his remarks, Customs Controller Adamu also praised the EFCC for its support in strengthening enforcement efforts against illegal movement of cash.
The EFCC confirmed that the suspects remain in custody at its Kano Zonal Directorate and will be further investigated for possible prosecution.
