The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted undeclared foreign currency amounting to $1,154,900 and SR135,900 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The seizure was made during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
Customs National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, who disclosed this in a statement sent to SHIPS & PORTS on Thursday, stated that during a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage, NCS officers discovered the undeclared cash concealed within packs of palm-date fruit, locally known as Dabino.
“In line 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 necessary legal action. Subsequently, the court convicted the defendant as charged and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in line with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022,” Maiwada said.
He reiterated that all travellers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving the country.
“The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, provide clear guidelines on currency declaration.
Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties. The Service, therefore, urges the public to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid legal consequences,” he added.
Maiwada said under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remains steadfast in its mission to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and trans-border crimes.
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