The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched a full-scale investigation into the case of one Ahmad Salisu, who was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service for attempting to smuggle large sums of undeclared foreign currencies through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Salisu was intercepted during a routine security check on Monday, July 7, 2025, with a staggering sum of $420,900 (Four Hundred and Twenty Thousand, Nine Hundred US Dollars), £5,825, CFA3,946,500, and Cameroonian CFA 224,000.
The concealed cash, wrapped in a polythene bag and hidden under clothes in the suspect’s luggage, was discovered during a physical inspection by Customs officials.
Following his arrest, Salisu allegedly confessed that he was acting on behalf of his brother, Auwal Ahmad, who is currently in Saudi Arabia.
He claimed he was instructed to deliver the money to two individuals: Yusuf Adamu and Abdulhamid Rabiu, who were arrested shortly after arriving to receive the funds.
In a statement on Tuesday, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said after preliminary interrogation and documentation, the trio, along with the seized funds, were handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He said during a joint press briefing held at the NCS Kano/Jigawa Area Command, the Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, Commander Ibrahim Shazali, reiterated the agency’s firm stance against illegal cash smuggling and financial crimes.
He said, “The EFCC and the Nigerian Customs Service, working in concert, have zero tolerance for illegal cash smuggling.
“Our surveillance is active, our intelligence is sharp, and our resolve to apprehend offenders is unwavering.
“Attempting to circumvent our financial laws and border controls is a futile and costly endeavour.”
He further urged members of the public, particularly those in the aviation and financial sectors, to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements of large volumes of cash.
The Customs Area Comptroller, Dalhatu Abubakar, emphasised the importance of currency declaration as a critical tool in Nigeria’s fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.
“These measures are designed to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system and prevent the flow of funds to criminal networks, terrorists, and drug traffickers,” Abubakar said.
According to the EFCC, the suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.