KANO AIRPORT CASH BUST: Customs Intercepts $265,000 Undeclared — NCS Hands Over to EFCC — N2.5bn Seized Since January

By Okwo Romeon — Abuja | Nigeria Anchorage | Customs-Maritime Desk

Kano, Nigeria —* Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Customs have intercepted *$265,000 undeclared cash* from inbound passenger — Total *N2.5 billion* in foreign currency seizures this year — Big signal for Abuja, Kano importers on cash declaration rules.

How Customs Caught It — Non-Intrusive Tech

Suspect *Adam Musa Adam*, Nigerian passport, arriving from *New Delhi aboard Ethiopian Airlines ET941* on Sept 26, was flagged during routine screening.

Custom official displaying the censor in Kano.

 Luggage flagged by *Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NII)* — Same tech used at Apapa for container scanning

- Secondary exam revealed *$265,000 concealed* among personal effects

- No declaration — Violates *Money Laundering Act 2022 Sections 3 & 4*  *Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023*

Handover to EFCC — NPA-style Interagency Model:

Acting Customs Area Controller *Deputy Comptroller Usman Umar Adamu* handed over suspect + exhibits to EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate.

Kano Acting Zonal Director ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo receiving for EFCC Chairman -Ola Olukoyede

"This is meaningful interagency collaboration — From seamless MAKIA activities to strategic handover. EFCC will investigate and prosecute to logical conclusion. Institutions must be beacon to safeguard economy against illicit flows."

Ebelo thanked ,CG Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi* for enabling partnership — Same model NPA + Customs use at Apapa berths.

Why This Matters for Maritime & Northern Importers:

1. N2.5bn seized Jan-Sept 2026  at MAKIA alone — Customs tightening cash inflow — Affects how Kano/Abuja importers fund imports

2. NII Technology: If Customs uses NII at Kano Airport to catch cash, same tech at Apapa (APMT-Berth 17/18) scanning your containers for under-declaration — *RHONE MAERSK, ALS FIDES containers under NII lens now*

3. Threshold rule:  Foreign currency above *$10,000 must be declared* — Same as you must declare container values at GDNL-Berth 19, ABTL-Berth 2 — Undeclared = Seizure + EFCC case

4. For Abuja importers:  Flying in cash from Dubai/Delhi to fund Apapa clearing now high-risk — Use official CBN Form A + bank transfer — Avoid MAKIA interception

Customs Warning to Importers:

Deputy Comptroller Adamu reiterated: *Movement above threshold without declaration = Money Laundering Act breach* — Applies to air passengers and maritime importers falsifying invoice values at Apapa.

What Northern Importers Should Do:

Declare cash at MAKIA Customs desk before baggage scan

 For Apapa imports: Use legitimate forex via banks — Keep Form M + PAAR consistent

Track your vessel (RHONE MAERSK, DESERT MOON) + your cash flow — Both under Customs NII now

Source: Nigeria Customs Service Kano Command + EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate — Handover Sept 26, 2026 — Ethiopian Airlines ET941 New Delhi-Kano`




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nigeria’s Public Health Crossroads: From Innovation to Action By Okwo Romeon

Image
Nigeria’s public health sector is at a critical crossroads: technology, emerging diseases and shifting health threats are reshaping the way care is delivered, while persistent inequalities continue to expose millions of people to preventable risks. Participants been recognised at the occasion  That was the central message at the 37th National Conference of the Professional Association of Public Health Nurses of Nigeria (PAPHNON) and the 6th Joint Conference of the Society for Public Health Professionals of Nigeria (SPHPN), held in Abuja under the theme, “Public Health in a Changing World.” The conference brought together public health nurses, physicians, researchers, academics, policymakers, development partners and other professionals to examine how Nigeria can build a stronger, more resilient and equitable health system. At the heart of the discussions was a simple but demanding proposition: innovation must translate into better health outcomes for ordinary Nigerians. “
Read more

2027 Nasarawa Elections: Youth Leader Nasiru Isah Calls for Issue-Based Voting and Peaceful Participation

Image
As preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 primary and general elections in Nasarawa State, a youth activist, Comrade Nasiru Isah, has called on citizens to prioritize competence, integrity, and genuine representation in choosing their leaders. In a message addressed to the people of the state, the Ado Youth Chairman from Karu Local Government Area emphasized that the forthcoming elections present a critical opportunity to shape the future of communities across Nasarawa. He noted that beyond electing a president, voters will also decide on key positions including governor, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and the State House of Assembly—leaders who will directly influence governance and development. Comrade Nasiru Isah Ado youths leader. Comrade Isah stressed that voting should transcend political sentiments and personal loyalties, urging citizens to focus instead on candidates with the capacity to deliver meaningful progress. According to him, the role of government...
Read more

“EL-RUFAI CAN’T BE CAGED!” — Young Kaduna Politician Sparks Buzz at ADC Convention By Okwo Romeon Abuja

Image
   “Youth Must Take Over Now!” — Aspirant Ahmad Aminu Declares Bold Ambition A rising political figure in Kaduna State, Engineer Ahmad Aminu—popularly known as “Vertical”—has stirred attention with strong remarks about his political mentor, Nasir El-Rufai, during the just-concluded convention of the African Democratic Congress in Abuja. Engineer Ahmad Aminu (AkA) Vertical  State Assembly Aspirant from Kaduna state . Speaking passionately, Aminu described El-Rufai as an unstoppable force in Nigerian politics, insisting that no effort can silence or sideline the former governor. “As long as politics is concerned in Kaduna and Nigeria, Mallam El-Rufai cannot be caged,” he declared. “He may not be physically here, but his spirit is with us.”  “He’s Our Father!” — Loyalty to El-Rufai Runs Deep Aminu emphasized unwavering loyalty among Kaduna ADC members, portraying El-Rufai as a guiding figure whose influence remains strong despite current political distractions....
Read more