Customs Intercepts ‘Undeclared $1.1M Cash Concealed in Date Packs’ At Kano Airport

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BY BONNY AMADI

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday announced that its operatives have intercepted an undeclared $1.1 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS spokesperson, in a statement on Thursday, said the undeclared currencies were found concealed in packs of palm dates during a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage.

Maiwada noted that the passenger, who arrived from Saudi Arabia on a Saudi Airline flight No. SV401, was convicted after being charged in court and ordered to forfeit the foreign currencies.

“In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currencies have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action,” the statement reads.

“Subsequently, the court convicted the defendant as charged and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in line with provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.”

The NCS spokesperson added that the seizure reflects customs’ commitment to enforcing monetary regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.

He urged travellers to comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations and ensure they declare their cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the ap- proved threshold when traveling in or out of the country.

“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,” Maiwada said.

“Under the leadership of the comptroller-general of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, the service remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other transborder crimes.

“This latest seizure highlights the service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.”