Nigeria Custom Service says it has arrested one Sabo Suleiman in possession of foreign currencies (over one million Saudi riyals and $184,000) concealed inside diapers.
“The suspect was arrested at the Murtala Aminu Kano International Airport, MAKIA, Kano on the 17th June, 2021 in possession of the exhibits while trying to clear one bag sent from Saudi Arabia via Ethiopia airline flight ET941 arriving from Addis Ababa to Kano.” The Command’s Controller, Suleiman Umar, disclosed this while handing over the suspect and exhibits to the operatives of the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
According to the Controller, the suspect refused to declare the currencies which contravenes the law, which stated that any traveller travelling with above $10,000 must officially declare the money.
“The exhibit include one bag carrying foreign currencies concealed inside diapers. The foreign currencies comprise of 1.7 million Saudi riyals and $184,800.
“I hereby hand over to you the suspect and exhibits for further investigation and necessary action,” Comptroller Umar said.
Responding, the EFCC Zonal Head in Kano, Faruk Dogon-Daji says EFCC will conduct a thorough investigation into the case and the suspect will be prosecuted and money forfeited to the Federal government.
Represented by his Deputy, Micheal Nzikwe said prosecution is around the corner for similar suspects apprehended and handed over to the commission.
He applauded the Customs Command for the synergy which they enjoy, noting that “Nigeria is the biggest gainer of the inter-agency – it is a common goal, no need for rivalry.
“Looking forward to when money laundering and economic sabotage will be a thing of the past,” he said.
Earlier, the Custom Controller, Umar displayed seizures made by the command between January to June, 2021, which summed to Duty Paid Value, DPV N27.7 million.
He further hinted that the Command within the period under review had also generated the sum of over N12 billion against the N8 billion generated in 2020 which represents 45 per cent increase (over N4 billion).
The seizures recorded include foreign rice (108 bags), foreign Soap (413 Cartons), Spaghetti (512 Cartons), Vegetable oil (83 jerrycans), couscous (84 packs), second hand clothes (29 bales), tramadol capsules (430 pieces) and other hard drugs (1,805 pieces) among others.