The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has started an investigation into $86,500, 305,150 Saudi Riyals, and €200 seized by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The EFCC said in a post on its X handle on Monday that the money was found hidden in an unaccompanied bag, which was suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria. Customs officers intercepted the bag on Sunday, April 27, 2025, when a clearing agent came to pick it up.
“Upon physical inspection, Customs officers uncovered the foreign currencies concealed in bedspreads (duvets) and date packs tucked in the luggage,” the EFCC stated.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two suspects: Bala and Abdullahi Tahir. The EFCC said Tahir was supposed to receive the bag after it had been cleared.
The money was officially handed over to the EFCC by Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdulahi Hashim, and received by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Aminu Bashir.
The agency said both the suspects and the seized money are now in EFCC custody. It added that they would be charged to court once investigations are completed.
The EFCC praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its alertness and stressed the need for government agencies to continue working together to protect Nigeria’s economy.
The EFCC also explained that it is working closely with Customs and other groups to teach people about the rules for moving cash in and out of Nigeria.
“On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the EFCC, ICPC and the Nigeria Customs Service jointly organised a sensitisation programme to educate all stakeholders about cash movement in and out of Nigeria on the legal requirements for the movement of cash as enshrined in the Nigerian laws and regulations,” the agency said.
The event was attended by members of the bureau de change community, travel agencies, airport authorities, pilgrim boards, and the Kano Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
