Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, on Thursday, intercepted $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, concealed inside packs of palm-date fruit, popularly known as dabino.
The alleged illicit funds, according to NCS, were discovered during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
National Public Relations Officer of NCS, ACC Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement sighted by our correspondent, described the seizure as a major success in the Service’s fight against illicit financial flows.
Maidawa disclosed that the suspect and the seized foreign currency were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for further investigation and legal action, following standard procedures
“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 for further investigation and necessary legal action,” Maiwada stated.
He further disclosed that the court had convicted the defendant and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared funds to the Federal Government, in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
Reiterating the need for travelers to comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, the Customs Service emphasized 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 statement warned that non-compliance with currency declaration laws constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS pledged to continue its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.
“This latest seizure highlights the Service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations,” Maiwada emphasized.
He assured Nigerians that Customs will continue working with relevant agencies to strengthen border security and ensure adherence to financial laws.
“The NCS will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy,” the statement concluded.
The NCS further advised travelers and stakeholders in the financial sector to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to Nigeria’s currency declaration policies to avoid legal consequences.
