The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into the seizure of $86,500, SAR305,150, and €200 by Nigeria Customs Service officers at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale made this known in a statement on Monday, revealing that the currencies were found in an unaccompanied bag suspected of being smuggled into Nigeria.

According to the statement, the discovery was made on Sunday, April 27, 2025, when a clearing agent, Sale Bala, attempted to collect the bag.

Upon inspection, Customs officials uncovered the foreign currencies hidden inside duvets and packages of dates within the luggage.

Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Bala and another suspect, Abdullahi Tahir, who was allegedly assigned to receive the bag after its clearance.

Oyewale added: “The seized money was officially handed over to the EFCC by Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Abdulahi Hashim, and received by Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACEII) Aminu Bashir.

“The suspects and the confiscated funds are currently in EFCC custody and will be prosecuted once investigations are completed.”

He also noted that the EFCC, alongside Customs and other partners, is stepping up efforts to educate stakeholders about the legal obligations related to cash movements and the penalties for violations.

He explained: “On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the EFCC, ICPC, and Nigeria Customs Service jointly organised an awareness campaign to inform stakeholders about the regulations governing cash movement into and out of Nigeria, as outlined by Nigerian law.”