The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an undeclared sum of $1.1 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
In a statement on Thursday, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada revealed that the foreign currencies were discovered concealed inside packs of palm dates during a physical examination of a passenger’s luggage.
The passenger, who arrived from Saudi Arabia on Saudi Airline flight No. SV401, was charged in court and subsequently convicted, leading to the forfeiture of the seized funds to the federal government.
“In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currencies have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action,” the statement read.
“Following due legal process, the court convicted the defendant and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.”
Maiwada emphasized that the seizure underscores the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
He urged travelers to comply with the country’s monetary regulations by declaring cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of Nigeria.
“Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and carries severe penalties. The Service, therefore, urges the public to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid legal consequences,” he stated.
Maiwada further reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other transborder crimes under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi.
“This latest seizure highlights the Service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations,” he added.
(TheCable)
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