Unnamed suspect returned from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an undeclared sum of $193,000 (about N289.5 million) concealed in a carton of yogurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
NCS’s spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, who disclosed the development in a statement on Friday – yesterday, March 21 – in Abuja, the FCT, explained that the seizure took place on Thursday, March 20.
According to him, the suspect came into the country aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Maiwada said that the operation was based on credible intelligence and a thorough baggage inspection of an inbound passenger.
“Acting on intelligence, Customs officers conducted a detailed inspection, leading to the discovery of the concealed cash,” he said.
He explained that the undeclared funds violate the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Both Acts mandate that travelers carrying over $10,000 (or its equivalent in negotiable instruments) must declare it to Customs upon arrival or departure.
Maiwada explained that advanced scanning technology helped detect the unusual density of the suspect’s luggage.
“The seized money has been formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“As required by law, we are handing over the forfeited funds to the EFCC for further necessary action,” he added.
He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across borders.
He also urged travelers to comply with the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving Nigeria.
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