193,000 CONCEALED IN YOGHURT CARTON SEIZED AT ABUJA AIRPORT

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The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted $193,000 in cash hidden inside a yogurt carton at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

National Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Maiwada stated on Friday that Federal Capital Territory Command officers discovered the money during a baggage check on an inbound passenger, following credible intelligence.

Customs Area Controller Olumide Adebisi identified the suspect as 40-year-old Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, who arrived from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 951.

He confirmed that a thorough inspection based on intelligence led to the seizure.

“Around the early hours of today, we received an intelligence report, which proved very helpful. This afternoon, one Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, who boarded Ethiopian Airlines from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was found concealing a total sum of $193,000 inside a carton of yogurt,” Adebisi said.

The CAC mentioned that the undeclared cash violates the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, both of which mandate that any traveler in possession of funds exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent in negotiable instruments must declare it to the Nigeria Customs Service upon arrival or departure.

“The law clearly states that if a person has funds above $10,000, they must declare it to Customs. Failure to do so could result in the forfeiture of the money, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both,” he explained.

Adebisi highlighted the importance of advanced scanning technology in identifying the unusual density in the suspect’s luggage.

He explained that the scan detected an abnormal density when the suspect’s luggage was examined.

“We allowed him to proceed but closely monitored his baggage. Upon further inspection, we discovered that the density was irregular, so we instructed him to return. In his presence, we checked the package and found the undeclared money hidden inside the yogurt carton,” the CAC stated.

Adebisi stated that the intercepted fund was formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation and prosecution.

“As required by law, we are handing over the forfeited money to the EFCC for further necessary action,” Adebisi stated.

He reiterated the service’s dedication to upholding financial regulations and curbing illegal financial transactions across borders.

Adebisi cautioned that travelers who try to evade financial rules would encounter severe legal repercussions.

“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 of 1995 provide clear guidelines on currency declaration. Non-compliance with these regulations violates Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties,” he said.

The CAC reaffirmed the command’s commitment to working closely with sister agencies, especially the EFCC, to enhance border security and enforce financial crime regulations.

He encouraged travelers and stakeholders to stay alert and comply with legal financial practices.