– As Culprit is convicted as Charge
By Innocent Orok
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of $1,154,900 and SR135,900 ( Saudi Riyals) undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International
Airport (MAKIA). The seizure was made recently during a routine baggage check
on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline
Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
In a statement issued by National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada the seizure was made 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.
The statement further said,
“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.
” Subsequently, 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.
“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, provide 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.
“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 latest seizure highlights the Service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
“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. Travelers and stakeholders in the financial sector are advised to remain vigilant and always adhere to lawful financial practices”, the Service assured.
