Nigeria Customs Service Seizes $193,000 Concealed in Yoghurt Container

The Nigeria Customs Service seized $193,000 hidden in a yoghurt carton at Abuja’s airport. The funds, concealed by suspect Kamilu Sarina, were discovered during a routine inspection prompted by credible intelligence. Sarina failed to declare the money, violating Nigerian financial laws, and the case will now be investigated by the EFCC. Travelers must adhere to currency declaration regulations to avoid severe penalties.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted $193,000 hidden in a yoghurt carton at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport during a baggage inspection prompted by credible intelligence. The suspect, Kamilu Sarina, arrived from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 951. This significant seizure occurred on Thursday, following a routine monitoring process.

Comptroller Olumide Adebisi confirmed that the concealment was discovered during baggage scanning, revealing unusual density. Upon further inspection, customs officials found the undeclared funds, which Sarina had failed to declare, violating the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Mr. Adebisi emphasized that travelers must declare any cash exceeding $10,000, failing which they may face forfeiture of the funds and potential prison sentences. The $193,000 has been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action, reinforcing NCS’s commitment to stringent financial regulations.

He urged travelers to adhere to Nigeria’s currency declaration regulations and informed that non-compliance could lead to severe penalties under the law. Moreover, Mr. Adebisi commended the efforts of Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi in enhancing operational effectiveness within the customs command.

The interception of $193,000 concealed in a yoghurt carton by the Nigeria Customs Service underscores the importance of adhering to financial regulations when traveling. The NCS has reiterated the serious consequences of failing to declare large sums of currency, which could lead to confiscation or imprisonment. This incident emphasizes ongoing efforts to enforce anti-money laundering laws in Nigeria and highlights the need for travelers to remain compliant with declaration requirements.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com