Nigeria Customs Service Seizes $193,000 Hidden in Yoghurt Carton

The Nigeria Customs Service seized $193,000 concealed in a yoghurt carton at Abuja’s airport. Kamilu Sarina, arriving from Jeddah, was apprehended for not declaring the funds. The money was sent to the EFCC for investigation, emphasizing strict compliance with currency declaration laws.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully intercepted $193,000 concealed in a yoghurt carton at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Following a strategic baggage inspection prompted by credible intelligence, the NCS apprehended Kamilu Sarina, a 40-year-old passenger arriving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 951.

According to Olumide Adebisi, the Comptroller at the Federal Capital Territory Command, the failure to declare this amount constituted a violation of both the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Under these laws, any individual carrying over $10,000 must declare it to customs upon entering or exiting the country.

The concealment was uncovered during a luggage scan which indicated unusual density. The NCS officials monitored the luggage and, upon close examination, discovered the undeclared funds hidden within the yoghurt carton. The seized amount has been forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.

Mr. Adebisi emphasized the need for compliance with Nigeria’s financial regulations, warning travelers against bypassing currency declaration rules. “All travellers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when travelling in or out of the country,” he stated. He also acknowledged the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for enhancing the operational efficiency of the Command.

The interception of $193,000 by the Nigeria Customs Service highlights the critical importance of compliance with financial regulations. Passengers must adhere to declaration requirements to avoid severe penalties. This incident underscores the ongoing vigilance of customs authorities in enforcing laws against money laundering and currency concealment.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com