A significant interception at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport has underscored the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) vigilance in combating illicit financial flows. Hobnob News reports that customs officers seized $1.154 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals in undeclared foreign currency from an inbound passenger.
The seizure occurred during a routine baggage check on Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia. Customs National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, revealed that the undeclared currency was meticulously concealed within palm-date fruit packs, locally known as “Dabino.”
“During the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage conducted by customs officers, the undeclared currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs locally referred to as Dabino,” Maiwada stated.
This interception aligns with the NCS’s unwavering commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial activities across Nigeria’s borders. In accordance with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currency have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal action.
The case has already resulted in a conviction, with the court ordering the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government, as stipulated by the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
Maiwada reiterated the importance of adhering to Nigeria’s financial regulations, emphasizing the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country. He cited the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995, which provide clear guidelines on currency declaration.
“Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian Law and attracts severe penalties,” Maiwada warned. He urged the public to strictly adhere to these requirements to avoid legal consequences.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes. “This latest seizure highlights the service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations,” Maiwada stated.
The NCS will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy. Travelers and stakeholders in the financial sector are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to lawful financial practices.
In a related development, the NCS Seme Area Command announced that it facilitated the export of 28,395.293 metric tonnes of produce, equivalent to 806 trucks, with a Free-on-Board value of N7.8 billion in February.
Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, also noted that the command paid N39.2 million to the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme during the same period.
