According to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the FCT Command, Olumide Adebisi, the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, arrived in Nigeria aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Based on credible intelligence, customs officers conducted a thorough inspection of his luggage, leading to the discovery of the undeclared funds.
Abuja, Nigeria – Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a sum of $193,000 in cash concealed inside a yogurt carton at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The discovery was made by personnel from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed the seizure in a statement on Friday, attributing it to intelligence-driven operations and meticulous screening procedures.
According to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the FCT Command, Olumide Adebisi, the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, arrived in Nigeria aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Based on credible intelligence, customs officers conducted a thorough inspection of his luggage, leading to the discovery of the undeclared funds.
“In the early hours of today, we received vital intelligence that prompted heightened scrutiny. Following a detailed baggage check, our officers uncovered a total of $193,000 concealed within a yogurt carton,” Adebisi stated.
He emphasized that failing to declare such an amount upon arrival contravenes both the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023. These laws mandate that travelers carrying cash or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 must disclose it to customs authorities.
“The law is explicit—anyone traveling with more than $10,000 must declare it. Failure to comply could lead to forfeiture of the funds, a prison term of up to two years, or both,” Adebisi warned.
Advanced scanning technology played a key role in detecting the anomaly in the suspect’s luggage. The CAC explained that when officers conducted an initial scan, they noticed an unusual density in the baggage. Despite allowing the passenger to proceed, officials continued to monitor him closely. A subsequent inspection confirmed their suspicions, leading to the discovery of the hidden cash.
Following due procedure, the intercepted funds have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal action.
“As required by law, the money has been transferred to the EFCC for necessary follow-up,” Adebisi announced.
Reiterating the agency’s commitment to combating financial crimes, Adebisi cautioned that anyone attempting to evade currency declaration laws would face serious legal consequences. He urged travelers to comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, emphasizing that strict measures are in place to prevent illicit financial flows.
The CAC further stated that the NCS would continue collaborating with other enforcement agencies, particularly the EFCC, to strengthen border security and financial crime enforcement. Travelers and stakeholders were advised to remain vigilant and adhere to legal financial practices when carrying large sums of money across borders.
Join our Channel...