Kano, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated a thorough investigation into Ahmad Salisu, who was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for allegedly concealing and failing to declare a substantial sum of foreign currency. The undeclared funds include $420,900 (£330,000), £5,825, CFA 3,946,500, and Cameroonian CFA 224,000.
The incident occurred on Monday, 7 July 2025, during a routine inspection at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. Customs officials discovered the cash hidden in a polythene bag, wrapped in cloth and other fabrics, within Salisu’s luggage. Following his arrest, Salisu claimed he was transporting the money on behalf of his brother, Auwal Ahmad, who remains in Saudi Arabia. The funds were intended for delivery to Yusuf Adamu and Abdulhamid Rabiu, who were also arrested when they arrived to collect the money.
The NCS formally handed over the suspects and the recovered funds to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution. At a joint press briefing held at the NCS Kano/Jigawa Area Command, EFCC Kano Zonal Director, Commander Ibrahim Shazali, underscored the agencies’ unwavering commitment to combating financial crimes. “The EFCC and the Nigerian Customs Service, working in concert, have zero tolerance for illegal cash smuggling,” Shazali stated. “Our surveillance is active, our intelligence is sharp, and our resolve to apprehend offenders is unwavering. Attempting to circumvent our financial laws and border controls is a futile and costly endeavour.”
Shazali urged the public, particularly those in the aviation and financial sectors, to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving large cash movements. “Protecting the integrity of our economy is a collective responsibility,” he added.
Customs Area Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar highlighted the importance of currency declaration as a critical measure to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. “The currency declaration regime is part of a holistic anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework to protect the sanctity and integrity of the Nigerian financial system,” Abubakar said. He noted that these measures aim to curb the flow of funds to criminal networks, including terrorists, bandits, and drug traffickers, which threaten national security.
The EFCC has confirmed that the suspects will soon face charges in court as the investigation progresses. Authorities continue to call for public cooperation to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and financial systems from illicit activities.
