By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into two male suspects, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, over the alleged failure to declare a total sum of $461,600 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
According to an official signed statement by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the suspects were intercepted following a handover from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
The suspects were arrested on Friday, 8 May 2026, upon arrival from Dubai via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941. They were initially found to have declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the currency declaration desk. However, a subsequent physical inspection by Customs officers reportedly uncovered additional undeclared cash, including $120,000 concealed by the first suspect and $31,600 by the second suspect.
With the additional discoveries, the first suspect was said to be in possession of $250,000 while the second held $211,600, bringing the total undeclared sum to $461,600. The EFCC noted that the alleged infractions contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Following the interception, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, formally handed over the suspects and recovered funds to the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate. The Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, assured that the Commission would conduct a thorough investigation and ensure prosecution in line with the law.
Ebelo commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its continued cooperation with the EFCC, describing inter-agency collaboration as critical to combating illegal financial flows and money laundering activities.
Similarly, Deputy Comptroller Adamu praised the EFCC for its sustained support in strengthening enforcement against the illegal movement of cash.
The suspects, alongside the recovered funds and other exhibits, are currently in EFCC custody in Kano and are expected to face further investigation and possible prosecution.
