The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the case of one Ahmad Salisu, arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for allegedly concealing and failing to declare the sum of $420,900, £5,825, CFA3,946,500, and Cameroonian CFA 224,000.
Salisu was intercepted by Customs operatives during a routine check on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano State.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said upon physical inspection, it was revealed that the cash was meticulously concealed in a polythene bag covered by cloth and other fabrics in the luggage of the suspect.
After his arrest, the suspect reportedly disclosed to the EFCC that he was transporting the funds on behalf of his brother, Auwal Ahmad, who is still in Saudi Arabia, to be delivered to two individuals, Yusuf Adamu and Abdulhamid Rabiu, who were also arrested upon their arrival to claim the monies.
Following preliminary interrogation and documentation, the Nigeria Customs Service formally handed over the trio and the recovered funds to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution.
In a joint press briefing at the office of Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, Ibrahim Shazali, stated that the EFCC and Nigerian Customs were committed to zero tolerance for illegal cash smuggling and all other forms of economic and financial crimes and will not spare any offender.
He said, “The EFCC and the Nigerian Customs Service, working in concert, have zero tolerance for illegal cash smuggling.
“Our surveillance is active, our intelligence is sharp, and our resolve to apprehend offenders is unwavering. Attempting to circumvent our financial laws and border controls is a futile and costly endeavour.”
Shazali also called on the general public and other stakeholders to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity across the Nigeria borders.
“We urge the public, particularly stakeholders within the aviation sector and financial institutions to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of large volumes of cash. Protecting the integrity of our economy is a collective responsibility,” he stated.
He added that the three suspects will soon be charged to court.
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