The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted $1.1 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals hidden in packs of palm dates at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
The undeclared funds were discovered during a routine inspection of a passenger’s luggage, marking a significant breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to curb illicit financial activities.
Culprit travelled in from Saudi Arabia
According to Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS spokesperson, the passenger arrived in Kano from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aboard Saudi Airline flight No. SV401.
During a physical examination of the luggage, customs officers uncovered the foreign currencies cleverly concealed within the packages of palm dates.
The passenger was promptly arrested and charged in court, where a conviction was secured.
“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,” Maiwada stated.
The court ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared funds to the Federal Government, citing provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
This ruling underscores the legal consequences of violating Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly those governing the movement of large sums of money across borders.
Maiwada emphasized that the seizure demonstrates the NCS’s dedication to enforcing monetary policies and preventing illegal financial transactions.
He reminded travelers of the importance of adhering to Nigeria’s financial laws, which require individuals to declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving the country.
“Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties. The service, therefore, urges the public to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid legal consequences,” he added.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS has intensified its efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial flows, and other cross-border crimes.
The NCS has called on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities.
The agency reiterated its resolve to maintain robust enforcement measures to protect the nation’s borders and financial systems from exploitation.
Nigeria Customs warns applicants
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had issued a disclaimer warning applicants to beware of scam emails inviting them for interviews or requesting sensitive details.
In a post on its verified WhatsApp channel, the service warned applicants to disregard such messages and report suspected fraudulent activities to the relevant authorities.
