The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a sum of in cash concealed inside a yogurt carton at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement on Friday, the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed that officers from the Federal Capital Territory Command uncovered the cash during a routine baggage inspection.
According to Customs Area Controller (CAC) Olumide Adebisi, the suspect, Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, 40, arrived in Nigeria aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Acting on credible intelligence, customs officers conducted a thorough inspection, leading to the discovery of the hidden funds.
Adebisi explained that the undeclared cash violates the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. These laws mandate that travelers carrying more than or its equivalent in negotiable instruments must declare it upon arrival or departure.
“The law clearly states that if a person has funds above , they must declare it to Customs. Failure to do so could result in forfeiture, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both,” Adebisi emphasized.
He highlighted the role of advanced scanning technology in detecting irregularities in the suspect’s luggage.
After initial screening revealed unusual density, officers closely monitored the baggage and later conducted a manual inspection in the suspect’s presence, leading to the discovery of the concealed cash.
Following standard procedures, the intercepted funds were formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Adebisi reiterated the Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial activities. He warned that travelers attempting to evade financial declaration rules would face strict legal consequences.
“All travelers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country,” he stated.
The CAC further assured that the NCS would continue collaborating with agencies like the EFCC to enhance border security and financial crime enforcement. He urged travelers and stakeholders to remain vigilant and adhere to lawful financial practices.
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