The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of $1,154,900 and 135,900 Saudi Riyals (SR) in undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The seizure was made during a routine baggage check on a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia.
The national public relations officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement, emphasizing that the interception was part of the agency’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illegal financial transactions across Nigeria’s borders.
Passenger Concealed Money in Palm-Date Fruit Packs
According to the statement, the undeclared foreign currency was discovered in the luggage of Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, a passenger who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
“During a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage conducted by NCS officers, the undeclared currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs, locally referred to as dabino,” the statement read.
The authorities believe this method was used in an attempt to bypass financial regulations and smuggle large sums of money into the country undetected.
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Legal Action Taken Against the Suspect
Following the interception, the suspect and the seized money were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. The case was taken to court, where the suspect was convicted as charged.
“The court convicted the defendant and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government, in line with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022,” Maiwada stated.
The Customs Service reiterated that travelers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country.
Customs Warns Against Non-Compliance
The NCS emphasized that failing to declare large sums of money when traveling violates Nigerian financial laws and carries severe penalties.
“The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, provide clear guidelines on currency declaration. Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties,” the statement warned.
The Customs Service urged travelers and financial stakeholders to always adhere to lawful financial practices to avoid legal consequences.
Customs Reaffirms Commitment to Border Security
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS has intensified efforts to combat financial crimes, smuggling, and other trans-border offenses.
“This latest seizure highlights the Service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations,” the statement added.