The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into Haruna Yusuf after the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted undeclared foreign currencies worth $73,000, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The currencies were intercepted in two separate incidents between August 8 and August 12, 2026.
On August 8, Customs officers reportedly found 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300 concealed inside a footwear in an unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage.
On August 12, officers intercepted a luggage belonging to Haruna Yusuf, who arrived on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941. Secondary screening reportedly uncovered $20,000 and £15,957 concealed inside sportswear shoes.
The Nigeria Customs Service subsequently handed Yusuf and the recovered currencies over to the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The EFCC said carrying large amounts of foreign currency without declaring them is a violation of Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The commission also stressed that declaring currency does not attract a penalty, while the source of undeclared funds may raise legal concerns.
EFCC officials said the investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the funds and pledged to pursue the matter in accordance with the law.