The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, has commenced an investigation into two men arrested at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for failing to declare a sum of $461,600 in cash to men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The EFCC, in a statement on Monday, said the suspects, identified as Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, were arrested on Friday, 8 May, after arriving from Dubai via Ethiopian Airlines ET941.
The commission said that while they initially declared $130,000 and $180,000, respectively, at the currency declaration desk, a subsequent physical examination by Customs officers revealed an additional undeclared $120,000 on the first suspect (bringing his total to $250,000) and an additional $31,600 on the second suspect (bringing his total to $211,600).
The EFCC said the undeclared amounts contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Upon handover by the Acting Customs Area Controller, according to the statement, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, the Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, assured the Nigeria Customs Service of the Commission’s commitment to a full-scale investigation.
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“The EFCC will conduct a thorough and uncompromising investigation into this matter. We will prosecute the case with the utmost diligence to ensure that violators of our anti-money laundering laws face the full weight of justice,” he said.
He further expressed deep appreciation to the NCS for the long-standing and consistent cooperation of the service with the EFCC over the years, noting that such inter-agency collaboration remains critical in combating the illegal movement of cash and financial crimes.
In his remarks, Mr Adamu expressed his deep appreciation to the EFCC for its unwavering support to the Nigeria Customs Service.
‘’Let me express appreciation for the continuous collaboration with the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate for their support in realising our goal while combating the illegal movement of cash”, he said.
The statement said the two suspects, along with the recovered undeclared currency and other relevant exhibits, were transported to the office of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, where they are currently being held for further investigation and potential prosecution.
