The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into two suspects identified as Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi over a total sum of $461,600 in undeclared cash handed over by the Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspects were arrested on Friday, May 8, 2026, after arriving from Dubai via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.
According to the EFCC, the suspects initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the currency declaration desk. However, a subsequent physical examination by Customs officers revealed additional undeclared cash of $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 Commission noted that the undeclared amounts contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Upon the handover by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, the Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander Friday Ebelo, assured the NCS of the Commission’s commitment to a full-scale investigation.
“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,” Ebelo said.
He expressed appreciation to the Customs Service for its long-standing and consistent cooperation with the EFCC over the years, noting that such inter-agency collaboration remains critical in combating the illegal movement of cash and financial crimes.
Earlier in his remarks, Adamu expressed gratitude to the anti-graft agency for its continued support to the NCS.
‘’Let me express appreciation for the continuous collaboration with the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate for their support in realizing our goal of combating the illegal movement of cash,” he said.
The Commission added that the two suspects are currently in its Kano Zonal Directorate for further investigation and possible prosecution upon formal takeover.
