Nigeria custom makes Historic $1.1m seizure at Kano Airport

A passenger identified as Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi arrived at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) aboard Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia. During an inspection of her luggage, customs officials found a large quantity of undeclared foreign currency, which included $1,154,900 and 135,900 Saudi Riyals. The money was cleverly hidden within packages of palm-date fruit, locally referred to as Dabino.

In accordance with established protocols, the suspect, along with the confiscated foreign currency, was transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary actions. The court later found the defendant guilty and mandated that the undeclared funds be forfeited to the Federal Government, as per the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

The Nigeria Customs Service stresses that all travelers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the requirement to declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the permissible limits when entering or exiting the country. The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995 outline the necessary guidelines for currency declaration. Non-compliance with these rules constitutes a violation of Nigerian law, which can result in serious penalties. Consequently, the Service urges individuals to follow these regulations closely to avoid legal repercussions.

The recent seizure by the Nigeria Customs Service highlights its unwavering dedication to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and enforcing financial regulations. This initiative showcases the Service’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the country’s economy.

Moving forward, the NCS will continue to collaborate closely with essential government agencies and stakeholders to enhance border security, ensure compliance with financial laws, and protect Nigeria’s economic stability. Through these efforts, the Service aims to foster a secure and favorable environment conducive to economic growth and development.