Customs Seize $193,000 Cash Hidden in Yogurt Carton at Abuja Airport

Customs Seize $193,000 Cash Hidden in Yogurt Carton at Abuja Airport

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted $193,000 in cash concealed inside a yogurt carton at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada announced the seizure on Friday, stating that officers of the Federal Capital Territory Command discovered the undeclared cash during baggage checks on an inbound passenger, acting on credible intelligence.

Customs Area Controller Olumide Adebisi identified the suspect as 40-year-old Kamil Abdullahi Sarina, who arrived in Nigeria aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Following a detailed inspection of his luggage, officers uncovered the hidden cash.

"The intelligence report we received was crucial. This afternoon, upon inspection, we found $193,000 concealed inside a yogurt carton in the baggage of Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina," Adebisi stated.

He explained that failing to declare cash exceeding $10,000 violates the Anti-Money L@undering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which could lead to forfeiture, imprisonment, or both.

Adebisi credited advanced scanning technology for detecting irregularities in the luggage, prompting further inspection. "We initially allowed him to proceed but continued monitoring. When we noticed inconsistencies in the package density, we called him back, opened the carton, and found the undeclared cash," he said.

The seized money has been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.