By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a large sum of unreported foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The seized currency includes SR135,900 (one hundred and thirty-five thousand, nine hundred Saudi Riyals) and $1,154,900 (one million, one hundred and fifty-four thousand, nine hundred US dollars) which were discovered in the luggage of Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401.
A statement signed and made available to journalists by the National Public Relations Officer, AC Abdullahi Maiwada disclosed that “During the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage conducted by NCS Officers, the undeclared currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs locally referred to as Dabino, this interception aligns with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.”
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” Maiwada said.
Maiwada further added that 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., adding that the Service reiterates that all travelers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country.
“The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, provides 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 said.
Maiwada further stated that “under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the NCS remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.
“This recent seizure underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s unrelenting commitment to safeguarding the country’s economic security and enforcing adherence to financial laws and regulations.”he said.
“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is committed to enhancing collaboration with key government agencies and stakeholders to fortify border security, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and protect Nigeria’s economy. To achieve this, travelers and financial sector stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to lawful financial practices.” He said.
